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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Renal denervation linked to significant drops in blood pressure

Two late-breaking clinical trials presented May 23 at EuroPCR in London demonstrated the ability of renal denervation to significantly lower patients’ blood pressures, regardless of whether they were taking antihypertensive medications.

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FDA clears pulmonary embolism thrombectomy device

The FlowTriever System has become the first thrombectomy device designed to treat pulmonary embolism (PE) to be cleared by the FDA, Inari Medical announced in a May 21 press release.

New ORBITA data: Freedom from angina, stress echos improved with PCI

At EuroPCR in Paris, investigators of the controversial ORBITA trial presented two previously unreported benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the study population.

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FFR-guided PCI linked to better 5-year outcomes than medical therapy

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided by fractional flow reserve (FFR) was associated with a 54 percent reduction in the composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction and urgent revascularization when compared to medical therapy alone, according to five-year data from the FAME 2 trial.

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Novel device treats pulmonary embolism without clot-dissolving drugs

A new device allows clinicians to remove blood clots from the pulmonary arteries and improve right ventricular function without the use of thrombolytics, according to a late-breaking clinical study presented April 26 at SCAI 2018 in San Diego.

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Edwards gains CE mark for first transcatheter tricuspid treatment

Edwards Lifesciences has received CE mark approval for its Cardioband Tricuspid Valve Reconstruction System, making it the first commercially available transcatheter therapy to treat tricuspid valve heart disease.

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American Airlines sued after passenger dies after in-flight pulmonary embolism

The family of a newlywed nurse is suing American Airlines after she fell ill on a flight and died. The cause of her death was determined to be an acute massive pulmonary embolism and cardiogenic shock.

Medtronic Announces Renal Denervation Pivotal Trial for the Treatment of Hypertension

DUBLIN — April 9, 2018 — Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to begin an investigational device exemption (IDE) pivotal trial to evaluate the Symplicity Spyral(TM) renal denervation system in patients with high blood pressure (hypertension).

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.