Interventional Cardiology

This cardiac subspecialty uses minimally invasive, catheter-based technologies in a cath lab to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease (CAD). The main focus in on percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to revascularize patients with CAD that is causing blockages resulting in ischemia or myocardial infarction. PCI mainly consists of angioplasty and implanting stents. Interventional cardiology has greatly expanded in scope over recent years to include a number of transcatheter structural heart interventions.

Robotic PCI confirmed to be both safe and effective in new comprehensive analysis
Researchers reviewed years of data from two different Corindus systems, highlighting the consistently high clinical and technical success rates.
Intra-annular TAVR valves from Edwards Lifesciences and Abbott deliver similar 1-year outcomes
Each valve was associated with certain benefits, but one-year outcomes were largely similar.
PCI just as successful when patients have a history of TAVR—but there are some added risks
Strokes and bleeding complications are more likely when PCI patients have already undergone TAVR, according to a new analysis of ACC registry data.
When valves fail: Surgeons share advice for treating high-risk patients with TAVR explant and SAVR
When a patient’s TAVR valve fails, redo TAVR is not always a feasible option. TAVR explantation and SAVR are typically the answer in these cases, but that approach is associated with certain risks.
TAVR and SAVR deliver similar outcomes for patients with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis
Paravalvular leak was more common after TAVR, as one may expect, but that was the only notable difference between the two aortic valve replacement strategies. The study's authors did highlight the importance of additional research, including larger studies with longer follow-up periods.

Robotic PCI confirmed to be both safe and effective in new comprehensive analysis

Researchers reviewed years of data from two different Corindus systems, highlighting the consistently high clinical and technical success rates.

Edwards Lifesciences SAPIEN 3 Ultra TAVR valve

Intra-annular TAVR valves from Edwards Lifesciences and Abbott deliver similar 1-year outcomes

Each valve was associated with certain benefits, but one-year outcomes were largely similar.

PCI just as successful when patients have a history of TAVR—but there are some added risks

Strokes and bleeding complications are more likely when PCI patients have already undergone TAVR, according to a new analysis of ACC registry data.

When valves fail: Surgeons share advice for treating high-risk patients with TAVR explant and SAVR

When a patient’s TAVR valve fails, redo TAVR is not always a feasible option. TAVR explantation and SAVR are typically the answer in these cases, but that approach is associated with certain risks.

TAVR and SAVR deliver similar outcomes for patients with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis

Paravalvular leak was more common after TAVR, as one may expect, but that was the only notable difference between the two aortic valve replacement strategies. The study's authors did highlight the importance of additional research, including larger studies with longer follow-up periods.

Intravascular lithotripsy IVL carotid artery TAVR

A new use for IVL: helping cardiologists secure transcarotid access for TAVR

IVL can do more than help prep patients for PCI. In fact, one heart team used Shockwave Medical's IVL technology to secure access for a high-risk TAVR patient.

A majority of medical devices involved in Class I recalls were never required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo premarket or postmarket clinical testing, according to new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.[1]

Answering key follow-up questions after the FDA approved TAVR in asymptomatic patients

The approval of certain TAVR valves to be used in asymptomatic patients is expected to make a significant impact on patient care going forward.

Stenting ‘an important treatment option’ for PCI patients with complete blockages

The study's lead author emphasized that stenting during CTO PCI procedures "should be considered safe and effective in the long term."

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