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.

Example of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) shown as part of the multimodality imaging capability on the Fujifilm CVIS.

IVUS-guided PCI reduces risks in patients with diabetes

PCI can be more challenging in high-risk patients presenting with diabetes and ACS. IVUS guidance was associated with improved outcomes among these patients compared to angiography guidance alone. 

artificial intelligence AI heart cardiology

Medtronic using AI to identify more TAVR patients in need

Medtronic has launched new research into AI's potential to identify patients with severe aortic stenosis and other worrying symptoms. The company hopes to overcome longstanding health disparities and reach individuals who may otherwise go untreated.

Surgeons Operating On Patient

SAVR linked to higher 10-year survival rate than TAVR for low-risk patients

TAVR patients in this study were treated with early-generation devices that have since been updated, but researchers still believe their data are relevant to today's care teams.

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the Watchman FLX device from Boston Scientific is associated with positive outcomes and limited adverse events after one year, according to new findings published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.[1] Many prior Watchman FLX studies, including PINNACLE FLX, had focused on the device’s performance in a controlled setting. The study’s authors hoped to gain a better understanding of its real-world impact by reviewing registry data from more than 97,000 U.S

LAAC with Watchman FLX reduces bleeding risks after AFib ablation

The new data, presented during AHA Scientific Sessions 2024, suggest LAAC with Boston Scientific's Watchman FLX could be a safe, effective alternative to OAC for limiting post-ablation strokes.

Video interview with J.D. Corl, MD, explaining the use of the new E8 and Javelin Shockwave IVL catheters in PAD.

New balloonless IVL catheter offers an alternative to atherectomy in tight lesions, CTOs

J.D. Corl, MD, shared his experience using two new IVL catheters from Shockwave Medical to treat patients with heavily calcified peripheral arteries. He considers both new devices a significant upgrade. 

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Treating younger patients with TAVR increases risk of death

Treating patients younger than 65 with TAVR is associated with certain risks for heart teams to consider. Fortunately, researchers found, care teams appear to be choosing patients wisely. 

Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

Cardiologist demand is on the rise—can hospitals keep up?

Demand for inpatient and outpatient cardiology services is expected to increase significantly in the next decade, putting hospitals and health systems in a position where they need to plan ahead or risk falling behind. 

The Abbott Esprit BTK everolimus-eluting biosorbable scaffold system for below the knee peripheral artery disease on display at TCT 2024. Photo by Dave FornellTCTn 2024 DF

Bioresorbable BTK stent superior to ballon angioplasty at 2 years

Late-breaking data from the LIFE-BTK clinical trial showed that the Esprit BTK bioresorbable scaffold system offered better two-year outcomes than balloon angioplasty in severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) below the knee.

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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