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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Hoping to improve care for these patients, Hermann et al. turned to the ŌNŌ retrieval system, a catheter-delivered device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022. The device was developed by Ōnōcor, a U.S. healthcare startup with roots in the Penn Center for Innovation.

Cardiologists are first in world to remove unstable Watchman devices with FDA-cleared retrieval system

A team of specialists in Houston made history, using the new-look device to treat three patients over the age of 80. The group shared its experience in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

Boston Scientific’s Agent Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB), which delivers a therapeutic dose of the anti-proliferative drug paclitaxel to the patient’s scar tissue to prevent ISR from recurring, gained FDA approval on March 1..

Cardiologists share historic research that led to FDA’s long-awaited approval of coronary DCB

When Boston Scientific’s coronary DCB gained approval in the United States, it was a moment the country's cardiologists had been looking forward to for years. The cardiologists who researched the device have now detailed their findings, highlighting the "unmet need" this technology is addressing. 

The Protego Radiation Protection System by Image Diagnostics can potentially reduce radiation exposure in the cath lab.

Cardiologist urges cath labs to adopt radiation shields: ‘It is time to protect ourselves’

The shields can significantly reduce radiation exposure, according to cardiologist David G. Rizik, MD. He said they also allow cardiologists, nurses and other cath lab employees to provide care without wearing lead aprons. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

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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.

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