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.

Medical device company raises $87M to study new-look scaffolds for BTK PAD
R3 Vascular also announced that Christopher M. Owens, a veteran of the medical device industry, is its new president and CEO.
Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology
The use of radial access during PCI procedures is increasing throughout the United States, and new data presented at the SCAI's annual meeting suggest that could be beneficial for patients.
FDA approves Abbott’s resorbable stent for BTK arteries
The bioresorbable stent, examined at length for the LIFE-BTK clinical trial, stays in place for up to three years before completely dissolving.
FDA clears new catheter for peripheral blood clots
The new-look catheter came out of a medical device incubator started by entrepreneur Eitan Konstantino, PhD, who has years of experience in the vascular space.
Cardiologists make history, perform first-ever transcaval TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation
The 65-year-old male patient presented with a long medical history and many comorbidities, making surgery too risky.

Medicare money payment physician. The CardioVascular Coalition and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions have both issued new statements highlighting their issues with the 2024 MPFS proposed rule.

TAVR costs vary significantly from one hospital to the next

According to a new study of more than 119,000 hospitalizations, the costs associated with TAVR are far from consistent.

April 3, 2023

SCAI President Sunil Rao explains what he saw as the top 5 interventional studies at ACC23. #SCAI #ACC #ACC23

5 studies that could make a big impact on interventional cardiology

SCAI President Sunil Rao, MD, spoke with us about some of the key interventional cardiology studies presented at ACC.23 in New Orleans.

April 3, 2023

Interventional cardiologists performing PCI

Transradial access should be ‘default strategy’ for PCI, new study confirms

Researchers explored data from nearly 25,000 PCI procedures, tracking the outcomes of patients treated with transradial access and transfemoral access.

March 30, 2023

Images from the consensus document showing the proper left atrial appendage (LAA) sizing assessment for a transcatheter occluder device using transesophageal echo (TEE). Sizing and evaluation for pre-existing thrombus in the LAA also can be performed using cardiac CT.

SCAI and HRS release expert consensus on transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion

One of the new recommendations is to conduct baseline imaging with TEE or cardiac CT.

March 24, 2023

Example of an FFR-angio image-derived hemodynamic flow model performed tableside in the cath lab reconstructed using three different C-arm contract image acquisitions. This technology from CathWorks, which was recently acquired by Medtronic, can eliminate the need for pressure wires and adenosine to assess FFR pressures. These measurements are used to determine the hemodynamic significance of a stenosis and determine if a stent is necessary or if a patient can be treated medically.

PHOTO GALLERY: ACC.23 in New Orleans

Browse a selection of photos from the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting in New Orleans. The pictures highlight key moments, new technologies and much more from the big show.

March 20, 2023

Shockwave L6 Peripheral IVL Catheter Shockwave Medical

Shockwave Medical launches new IVL catheter for challenging lesions in US

After its initial release was limited to certain customers, the new-look catheter is now available in four different sizes throughout the United States.

March 14, 2023

Paul Sorajja, MD, director, Center for Valve and Structural Heart Disease, Minneapolis Heart Institute, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, was the principal investigator for the late-breaking TRILUMINATE pivotal trial at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2023 meeting and explains details of this landmark trial. #ACC #ACC23 #triluminate

TRILUMINATE trial may pave the way for FDA clearance for tricuspid valve clip device

Paul Sorajja, MD, discusses the late-breaking TRILUMINATE pivotal trial at ACC.23 and how tricuspid TEER performed against the current standard of care using medical therapy.

March 13, 2023

ACC 2023 program chair Douglas Drachman, MD, explains the top takeaways from the American College of Cardiology meeting. #ACC #ACC23

Key takeaways from the ACC 2023 annual meeting

ACC.23 Program Chair Doug Drachman, MD, explains what he saw as some of the key takeaways from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2023 annual meeting.

March 10, 2023

Around the web

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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

Radiology Business

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

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."

Cath Lab

Medical device company raises $87M to study new-look scaffolds for BTK PAD

Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology

FDA approves Abbott’s resorbable stent for BTK arteries

FDA clears new catheter for peripheral blood clots

Cardiologists make history, perform first-ever transcaval TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation

Around the web