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.

Interventional cardiology procedure in a cath lab at Beaumont Hospital.

SCAI shares STEMI recommendations for cardiologists and cath labs

“This document represents a collective effort to refine and advance the standards of care in STEMI management," according to one cardiologist behind the project. 

V-Wave has gained considerable attention or its Ventura Interatrial Shunt System, a small implantable device designed to reduce pressure on the left atrium and the lungs in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The Ventura device includes a nitinol hourglass-shaped frame that anchors to the patient’s fossa ovalis in a way that prevents migration or embolization. It is implanted via an interventional procedure with fluoroscopy and echocardiography guidance.

Johnson & Johnson completes V-Wave acquisition

While the initial purchase price was $600 million, the final amount could reach approximately $1.7 billion if certain milestones are met. V-Wave's Ventura Interatrial Shunt System for HFrEF has gained considerable interest in recent years, and Johnson & Johnson was an early investor in the technology back in 2016.

An FDA panel will discuss its recommendations related to Abbott's TriClip G4 transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for tricuspid regurgitation.

CMS considers Medicare coverage options for tricuspid valve repair at Abbott’s request

CMS is now accepting public comments on this topic until Nov. 2. A final decision is expected by July 2025.

Monitoring acute heart patients at home linked to considerable cost savings

The new report could go on to help guide decisions made by CMS and hospital leadership teams for years to come.

Banner ASC in Sun City, Arizona.

Low doses of radiation still increase risk of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma

A new study found cumulative radiation exposure of 16 mSv to red bone marrow can cause an increased rate of some hematological malignancies.

U.S. News & World Report children’s hospitals cardiology heart surgery

SCAI urges lawmakers to improve cardiac care access for children

The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act would expand Medicaid access for pediatric patients so that it covers interventional cardiologists outside of their home states.

LAMPOON before TMVR improves symptoms without complications, long-term data confirm

LVOT obstruction remains a significant complication of TMVR, making the long-term safety and effectiveness of the LAMPOON technique a hot topic in interventional cardiology.

Performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the J-Valve transcatheter heart valve (THV) may help limit the risk of coronary artery obstruction (CAO) in high-risk patients, according to a new study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging.[1]

New-look TAVR valve recently acquired by Edwards may reduce risk of coronary obstruction

Early data suggest the J-Valve transcatheter heart valve could help care teams avoid a rare, but often fatal TAVR complication when treating high-risk patients. 

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.

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