Interventional Cardiology

This cardiac subspecialty uses minimally invasive, catheter-based technologies in a cath lab to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease (CAD). The main focus in on percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to revascularize patients with CAD that is causing blockages resulting in ischemia or myocardial infarction. PCI mainly consists of angioplasty and implanting stents. Interventional cardiology has greatly expanded in scope over recent years to include a number of transcatheter structural heart interventions.

IVUS guidance during DES implantation boosts long-term outcomes in new study

New risk score helps identify high-risk PCI patients

The risk assessment tool could help health systems and researchers alike determine when patients face greater odds of post-PCI complications. 

December 9, 2022
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Interventional cardiology to join the Match in 2025

It is an announcement many interventional cardiologists have been waiting to hear for a long time. 

December 7, 2022
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An updated look at the latest self-expandable and balloon-expandable TAVR devices

Researchers have completed a new analysis of the Evolut Pro and Pro+ devices from Medtronic and the Sapien 3 Ultra devices from Edwards Lifesciences, sharing the results in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

December 7, 2022
IVUS guidance during DES implantation boosts long-term outcomes in new study

FDA changes indications for Impella RP heart pump after dramatic shift in mortality rate

The Impella RP System is still associated with significant benefits, the FDA said, but there are certain high-risk patients who should no longer be eligible for treatment.

December 5, 2022
Sphere-9 mapping and ablation catheter

Medtronic reaches milestone in study of pulsed-field ablation and mapping catheter for AFib

A randomized study of more than 450 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation is now underway. All patients have been treated, and their outcomes will be tracked for 12 months. 

December 5, 2022
An inflated intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) with the Maquet Cardiosave system.

Supply chain problems: FDA warns of new shortage of intra-aortic balloon pumps, catheters and spare parts

Getinge has provided a detailed breakdown of the shortage, stating that it is not yet clear when it may be over. The FDA said it will keep a close eye on the situation and provide updates when possible. 

December 2, 2022
Large peridevice leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) are incredibly rare and not associated with a greater risk of adverse outcomes, according to new research published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.[1] Smaller residual links are more common, however, and associated with a risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events.

Socioeconomic status and mental health make a big impact on AVR outcomes

Nontraditional risk factors such as dementia, PTSD, bipolar disorder and low socioeconomic status are all important to consider when patients are candidates for aortic valve replacement. 

November 30, 2022
A study that analyzed patient outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in veterans showed outcomes for on-pump and off-pump procedures over 10 years to be similar. Photo by Jim Lennon

Radial artery grafts vs. saphenous vein grafts for CABG: Does one outperform the other?

The new study, published in Circulation, represents a collaboration between specialists from a variety of facilities, including Cleveland Clinic and the University of Arizona. 

November 29, 2022

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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