"This research should be a call to health systems, policymakers and other stakeholders to make it easier for patients—especially the most vulnerable patients—to access PAD-specific care," one cardiologist explained. 

CMS is accepting public comments on the topic for a period of 30 days. Recor Medical and Medtronic have both shared statements in support of the potential policy shift.

Medtronic entered into an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Contego Medical for carotid and peripheral vascular disease revascularization products. The agreement includes an option to acquire the full company at a later date. 

After the significant success of Shockwave Medical's IVL therapy to break up heavily calcified vessels without trauma, there are now several companies working on their own IVL devices. 

SCAI President James Hermiller, MD, recently outlined the key achievements for 2024, including creation of the first interventional cardiology match program, successful advocacy and efforts to increase women in the field.

The pressure changes associated with contrast injections are minimal, researchers noted, especially once you move away from the tip of the catheter. 

Charles E. Mullins, MD, a U.S. Army veteran who went on to practice medicine for five decades, died at the age of 92. SCAI shared a loving tribute to Mullins, calling him the "father of modern interventional pediatric cardiology."

PCI can be more challenging in high-risk patients presenting with diabetes and ACS. IVUS guidance was associated with improved outcomes among these patients compared to angiography guidance alone.