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.

So far, so good: TAVR comparable to open heart surgery after 5 years in low-risk patients
Michael J. Reardon, MD, shared the highly anticipated data with a large audience at ACC.25 in Chicago. Overall, he said, these five-year findings suggest TAVR with a supra-annular, self-expanding valve is a safe and effective alternative to SAVR.
‘A practice-changing trial’: Semaglutide linked to key benefits for PAD patients with diabetes
Patients who present with type 2 diabetes and PAD often face substantial mobility issues. According to new data presented at ACC.25, however, treatment with semaglutide could represent a major step forward for this high-risk population.
Cardiologists make case against routine interventions for asymptomatic severe AS
Aortic valve replacement is likely inevitable for patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Immediately planning for TAVR or SAVR, however, may not always be the answer.
The biggest names in TAVR are sharing new data at ACC.25
The country’s two biggest TAVR vendors both plan on making a splash at ACC.25. Medtronic and Edwards Lifesciences spoke to Cardiovascular Business about their plans for the three-day event in Chicago.
Abbott makes IVL move as FDA approves new clinical trial
Abbott has received an investigational device exemption from the FDA for a new clinical trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of using its coronary IVL technology. The trial is expected to enroll up to 335 U.S. patients.

TAVR/PCI bests SAVR/CABG when treating severe AS and complex CAD

Percutaneous treatment was linked to improved survival and fewer adverse events than surgery when patients presented with both symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and complex coronary artery disease.

TAVR survival less likely when patients are depressed

Screening TAVR patients for signs of depression prior to treatment could help providers adapt as necessary and deliver better patient care.

More vulnerable, but still treatable: Frail heart patients benefit from PCI, CABG

High-risk patients are often treated with medical therapy alone instead of revascularization. However, new data make it clear that these patients can live much longer when treated with PCI or CABG.

Interventional cardiology’s first Match Day celebrated as a ‘historic achievement’

This was a moment years in the making for interventional cardiology. A total of 164 training programs participated, and 94% of applicants secured a position.

Clopidogrel vs. aspirin: Tracking the chronic maintenance period after PCI for different risk groups

As more high-risk patients undergo PCI, what is the best antiplatelet strategy following an initial event-free period of DAPT? Does it change after complex PCI? Researchers aimed to answer these questions, and many others, with new findings published in JAMA Cardiology.

Off-label TAVR for native aortic regurgitation linked to worse outcomes

Targeting aortic regurgitation with TAVR valves built to treat aortic stenosis may be the only option a cardiologist has—but valves designed specifically to treat AR are linked to much better outcomes, according to a new meta-analysis. Edwards Lifesciences recently acquired the two companies at the center of this study, JenaValve and JC Medical.

Medtronic's Evolut Pro TAVR valve treating aortic stenosis

Medtronic TAVR valves at heart of key studies presented during PCR London Valves 2024

One study presented during the three-day conference focused on the potential benefits of an optimized TAVR pathway. Another study, meanwhile, tracked changes in paravalvular leak severity over time.

The use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still safe and effective when patients present with calcified nodules (CNs), according to new long-term data published in EuroIntervention.[1] Researchers compared outcomes from patients with and without CNs, highlighting key similarities in stent expansion and luminal gain.

Shockwave Medical’s IVL technology still safe, effective in patients with calcified nodules

Intravascular lithotripsy is still a safe and effective frontline preparation tool when PCI patients present with calcified nodules, a new two-year study confirmed. Researchers focused on stent expansion and luminal gain, among other key data points.

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Interventional Cardiology

So far, so good: TAVR comparable to open heart surgery after 5 years in low-risk patients

‘A practice-changing trial’: Semaglutide linked to key benefits for PAD patients with diabetes

Cardiologists make case against routine interventions for asymptomatic severe AS

The biggest names in TAVR are sharing new data at ACC.25

Abbott makes IVL move as FDA approves new clinical trial

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