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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What peridevice leaks after LAAO mean for patient health

The study's authors reviewed data from more than 50,000 patients, presenting their findings in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

Resheathing heart valves during TAVR does not increase risk of complications

Researchers tracked both short- and long-term outcomes, sharing their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

7 ways cath labs can work through the contrast media shortage without delays

When the ongoing contrast media shortage first started impacting health systems, one group in Ohio pledged not to delay a single procedure in its cath labs.

COPD patients benefit from TAVR—but there are some significant risks to consider

When discussing the possibility of TAVR for a patient with COPD, it is crucial to consider the severity of their symptoms.  

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) is associated with “promising” short-term outcomes among patients with a history of cancer, according to new research published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

'Promising' new data on TMVr among cancer patients

The study's authors examined data from nearly 23,000 patients who underwent transcatheter mitral valve repair from 2014 to 2018. 

Links to all the SCAI 2022 late-breaking clinical research

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has announced its late-breaking study presentations at its 2022 Scientific Sessions. 

Early clinical evaluation of the Alleviant System to create no-implant interatrial shunts to treat heart failure patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF and HFrEF) demonstrated procedural safety and feasibility with a promising efficacy signal through six months.

Key interventional cardiology takeaways from the SCAI 2022 conference

The key interventional cardiology takeaways from sessions presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2022 annual meeting.

COVID-19 can have a serious impact effecting the heart during and after infection. The ACC released expert consensus decision pathway for the evaluation and management for the cardiovascular consequences of COVID infection and long-COVID, also known by its official clinical designation as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).

COVID-19 repercussions on cardiac services will be with us for years to come

A new study reveals the damage caused to cardiovascular programs by the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to accrue unless mitigation strategies are implemented quickly. The review found a number of people dying are at home from heart conditions. 

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

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