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.

AMA to advocate for improved Medicare payments for office-based labs
SCAI and other healthcare groups want changes made to how healthcare providers are paid after performing office-based lab procedures. "As much as we love delivering care as doctors, if we are losing money doing something, we cannot sustain it," one cardiologist explained.
Balloon-expandable, self-expanding TAVR valves associated with comparable long-term outcomes
Patients treated with the Sapien 3 platform from Edwards Lifesciences and the Evolut platform from Medtronic were linked to more similarities than differences after six years. This was a single-center study, researchers noted, but it does provide an in-depth look at the safety and effectiveness of TAVR.
FastWave Medical reports first-in-human coronary laser IVL procedures
Sola is a rupture-resistant balloon catheter that uses laser energy to deliver 360-degree pressure with each pulse. It was designed to address limitations the company saw in current calcium-modification devices.
Study finds 35 million patients may be eligible for renal denervation
However, eligibility alone does not mean a patient will benefit from treatment.
TAVR specialists come together to explore new data, patient selection and much more
Care teams have a lot to consider when choosing the right treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Two cardiologists and a veteran cardiothoracic surgeon are taking part in a new webinar focused on that very topic.

Meril TAVR valves linked to 1-year outcomes similar to industry-leading devices from Medtronic, Edwards

Indian medtech company Meril Life Sciences has been manufacturing its Myval TAVR valves for years, but FDA approval has remained out of reach. These latest data represent a one-year update of the multicenter LANDMARK clinical trial.

Medtronic drug-coated balloon gains multiple new approvals

The Prevail DCB has been cleared to use in dozens of countries around the globe, but it has not yet been approved by the FDA.

Video interview with Hari Naidu SCAI president on the need for policy for increased radiation protection in the cath lab.

SCAI wants lead-free cath labs and a better work-life balance for cardiologists

"The lead protection we wear is causing a lot of damage," SCAI President Srihari S. Naidu, MD, a veteran interventional cardiologist, explained in an interview.

Topaz transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system TriCares

Cardiologist shares positive first-in-human data on TriCares TTVR device

The new Topaz TTVR system was associated with the consistent elimination of tricuspid regurgitation. In addition, none of the first 20 patients treated with the device required a permanent pacemaker as a result of the procedure.

Early TAVR or SAVR in asymptomatic patients linked to improved survival, reduced costs

Researchers explored data from more than 24,000 AVR patients, presenting their findings at EuroPCR in Paris.

Video interview with Gregg Fonarow, MD, explaining the success of the AHA Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program, during AHA 2024.

Stroke care continues to evolve thanks to AI, cardiologists and more

Gregg Fonarow, MD, discussed the American Heart Association's stroke guidelines, the growing influence of AI and much more.

Medtronic gains a key approval for Evolut TAVR valves

More patients can now undergo redo TAVR with a Medtronic valve than ever before.

The Shockwave Medical M5+ new peripheral intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheter cuts procedures times in half and was showed for the first time at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2022 meeting. It is designed to break up calcium in heavily calcified arteries to avoid the need for vessel trauma caused by high pressure angioplasty.

IVL delivers significant value for women, real-world data confirm

Researchers tracked data from nearly 400 women with complex CAD who underwent treatment with Shockwave Medical's intravascular lithotripsy technology prior to PCI.

Around the web

Health Exec

Tom Price: Medical residency slots need to expand to combat physician shortages

Tom Price, MD, former secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), said one way to address the growing shortage of physicians is to expand medical resident positions, but these are tied to Medicare spending so alternative means may be needed.

Health Imaging

Tariffs will have a significant impact on the nuclear imaging supply chain in the US

"Domestic radiopharmaceutical suppliers, who receive isotopes from abroad, would be impacted by price changes and uncertainty caused by additional tariffs,” SNMMI President Cathy Cutler, PhD, wrote in a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce this week.

Interventional Cardiology

AMA to advocate for improved Medicare payments for office-based labs

Balloon-expandable, self-expanding TAVR valves associated with comparable long-term outcomes

FastWave Medical reports first-in-human coronary laser IVL procedures

Study finds 35 million patients may be eligible for renal denervation

TAVR specialists come together to explore new data, patient selection and much more

Around the web