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.

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.
CMS approves Medicare coverage for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement
CMS will cover TTVR for the treatment of symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation on a national level. The agency first proposed such a policy in December, taking time to consider public comments before finalizing its decision.
Safety update: FDA announces Class I recall due to atherectomy devices breaking during use
The FDA shared a warning about these safety issues in February, but said it was still reviewing the evidence. The agency is now saying the devices “may cause serious injury or death” if used without following the updated instructions for use.
Choosing left radial access in the cath lab helps cardiologists limit radiation exposure
Using a left radial artery approach in the cath lab exposes interventional cardiologists to significantly less radiation than a hyper-adducted right radial artery approach. The difference is substantial enough for researchers to declare LRA "the primary access site for cardiac catheterization."

Capstan Medical robotic transcatheter mitral valve replacement

Cardiologists make history, complete world’s first robotic transcatheter mitral valve replacements

One of the cardiologists involved in the procedures said they represent "a significant leap forward in structural heart intervention."

self-centering guide catheter (SCGC) for TAVR from Boston Scientific

Cardiologists are first in world to use new TAVR catheter from Boston Scientific

The new Self-Centering Guide Catheter was designed to help care teams with the retrograde crossing of the aortic valve during TAVR. Researchers evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the catheter, sharing their experience in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

heart data research doctor cardiologist AI

TAVR vs. SAVR: Real-world data highlight advantages of both techniques

The biggest differences, researchers noted, were found in the long-term outcomes of low- and intermediate-risk patients.

Evan Scott Shlofmitz, DO, Director of Intravascular Imaging, St. Francis Hospital, in Roslyn, New York, explains how he uses Heartflow's artificial intelligence technology to assess a patient's coronary artery disease from noninvasive CT scans to preplan PCI procedures.

How AI and CCTA help heart teams plan ahead before PCI

Evan Shlofmitz, DO, director of intravascular imaging at St. Francis Hospital, explains how advanced artificial intelligence technology is used to assess a patient's CT scan before they undergo PCI.

Shockwave Medical Javelin Peripheral IVL Catheter

Shockwave Medical launches new IVL catheter for targeting challenging lesions in PAD patients

The new-look Javelin Peripheral IVL Catheter was designed to travel through extremely narrowed blood vessels and target plaques with up to 120 pulses.

Philips pulls endovascular devices from market after safety issues prompt Class I recall

Philips is recalling all sizes of its Tack Endovascular System after 20 patient injuries were reported. Interventional cardiologists are urged to stop using the device immediately.

Boston Scientific enters renal denervation market with acquisition worth up to $540M

Boston Scientific has announced another significant M&A deal, scooping up an Israeli medtech company focused on RDN technology.

Cardiologists recommend complete revascularization, intravascular imaging in new ACS guidelines

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association published the new guidelines with assistance from other leading U.S. medical societies.

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Radiology Business

The impact of Trump tariffs on iodine contrast media costs

GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?

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.

Interventional Cardiology

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

Abbott makes IVL move as FDA approves new clinical trial

CMS approves Medicare coverage for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement

Safety update: FDA announces Class I recall due to atherectomy devices breaking during use

Choosing left radial access in the cath lab helps cardiologists limit radiation exposure

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