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.

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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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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