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.

RSS icon

Real-world use gives fondaparinux advantage over heparin

In a real-world setting, patients with non-STEMI (NSTEMI) treated with fondaparinux had lower rates of death and major bleeding compared with low-molecular weight heparin, according to a study published in the Feb. 17 issue of JAMA.

15 suits filed over cardiac cath procedures at LifePoint facilities

LifePoint Hospitals reported that it may face fines and liability costs from investigations into improper interventional cardiology procedures at two of its hospitals.

Thumbnail

Off-label use of familiar PCI drug results in fewer bleeds

Occasionally, off-label use can be as safe and effective as the originally approved method, sometimes more so. This appears to be the case for eptifibatide, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Angina relief device succeeds on symptoms

Using a narrowing device in the coronary sinus may provide relief of symptoms and improve angina by at least one class, according to a study published Feb. 5 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Collaborative valve registry shines as example of cooperation, data excellence

Good data are key to understanding new processes and improving care. This was underscored by a paper published in the February issue of Health Affairs, which promoted the Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry as a model for collaboration and harmonized patient data collection.

Guidewire coating debris found in nearly half of thrombus samples

Foreign material found in emboli and histological samples of cardiac tissue may be a sign that hydrophilic guidewire coating detaches more frequently than previously reported. The study published in the February issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions suggested that embolized guidewire coating may put patients at greater risk for complications. 

Offering early treatment via weekend cath lab hours lowers costs

It may sound counterintuitive, but healthcare costs could be reduced by including weekend hours in the cardiac catheterization lab, according to a study published in the March issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

Thumbnail

DAPT Durations: Keeping Up with the Times

A growing evidence base is helping cardiologists make decisions about the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy for certain patient populations.

Displaying 1593 - 1600 of 2707

Around the web

Radiology Business
Key takeaways from RSNA 2024 for AI, CT, MRI and the radiology staffing shortage

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Health Imaging
Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.