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.

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Researchers attempt to allay TAVR concerns

Soon after a study appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine on Oct. 5 finding potential issues with bioprosthetic aortic valves, the results generated national attention, causing some to question the use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) treatment.

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Artificial heart provides option for some patients

Only a handful of patients receive artificial hearts each year, but The Verge reports the device's manufacturers are hoping they can one day replace real hearts. Artificial hearts are now used as life support for people waiting for transplants.

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Early invasive treatment strategy after acute coronary syndrome appears to be effective

Patients with acute coronary syndromes who underwent an early invasive strategy had a lower risk of cardiac death and hospitalization for MI compared with those who received a conservative approach, according to a retrospective cohort study.

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IABP therapy is associated with higher mortality in patients undergoing PCI

An observational study involving Japanese patients undergoing PCI found the use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality.

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[ARTICLE] Building a Protected PCI Program: The Programmatic Approach

Offered in cooperation with Abiomed

The University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, already a major national referral center, has recently undergone a significant culture shift. The change began when Robb MacLellan, MD, joined as chief of cardiology of UW Medicine Regional Heart Center in 2011.

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Quest voluntarily recalls some of its MPS delivery sets for use during open heart surgery

Quest Medical voluntarily recalled certain lots of its Myocardial Protection System (MPS) delivery sets on Oct. 28 after finding the products had a possible seal failure that could lead to blood loss in patients.

ACC, AHA, SCAI release updated guidelines on multivessel PCI and thrombus aspiration

Major medical societies released updated guidelines on Oct. 21 regarding multivessel PCI and thrombus aspiration in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Stent placement is associated with long delays in elective colorectal cancer surgery

Patients with coronary artery disease undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer had a long delay in the operation after receiving a stent, according to a Veterans Affairs analysis.

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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