Cath Lab

The cardiac catheterization laboratory is used for diagnostic angiograms and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Cath labs have also seen expanding use in recent years for transcatheter structural heart procedures. Some hospitals also share these labs with other subspecialties for catheter-based procedures in electrophysiology (EP), interventional radiology, peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid and neuro interventional procedures and vascular surgery.

HeartFlow FFR-CT is a non-invasive imaging method to determine the fractional flow reserve for the entire coronary tree.

AI-based CAD assessments as accurate as FFR, new 10-year study confirms

The FDA-approved technology developed by HeartFlow can predict a patient's long-term risk of target vessel failure as well as more invasive treatments performed inside a cath lab. 

March 12, 2024
Abbott's Tendyne device for transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). Image courtesy of Abbott

TMVR vs. mitral valve surgery: Tendyne linked to improved survival in elderly patients

New data out of Germany suggest TMVR can offer intermediate-risk patients a safe alternative to surgery.

March 6, 2024
Video - Ken Rosenfield, MD, MGH, and William Gray, MD, Lankenau Heart, explain impact of new CMS coverage for carotid stenting.

How a big CMS update on carotid stenting could impact interventional cardiology

Ken Rosenfield, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, and William Gray, MD, of Lankenau Heart Institute, detailed the long-term impact of a key policy shift. 

March 5, 2024
Boston Scientific has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Agent Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) for the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients with coronary artery disease.

FDA approves Boston Scientific’s new drug-coated balloon for coronary in-stent restenosis

Interventional cardiologists have been anticipating this news for quite some time. The device, the first of its kind, provides an alternative treatment option to repeat PCI or cardiac surgery for patients with coronary ISR.

March 1, 2024
A diabetic foot ulcer that does not heal due to low blood supply from peripheral artery disease (PAD), and the before and after interventional angiograms of the patient's revascularization treatment. Images courtesy of Foluso Fakorede, MD

Experts hope improved PAD awareness can lead to fewer leg amputations

Nearly 80% of Black and Hispanic adults said they never discussed PAD with a doctor, which vascular experts say is a major problem.

February 28, 2024
Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

Cardiologist at heart of TAVR controversy loses hospital privileges due to ‘disruptive,’ ‘inexplicable’ behavior

The doctor appealed the hospital's decision in hopes of returning to work, but that appeal was ultimately denied. 

February 28, 2024
Image of the Royal Philips Azurion neuro biplane system

Philips announces new Azurion update focused on improving care for stroke patients

According to Philips, this latest update makes the Azurion image-guided therapy platform more efficient than ever.

February 27, 2024

Intravascular imaging-guided PCI linked to improved survival, fewer adverse events in large new analysis

The study’s authors tracked data from nearly 16,000 patients who underwent PCI from 2010 to 2023. This is believed this to be the largest comparison of intravascular imaging-guided PCI and angiography-guided PCI to date.

February 23, 2024

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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