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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JACC: Real-world results lean in favor of stenting left main coronary artery

No difference was observed in the occurrence of death, cerebrovascular accidents and MI between PCI and CABG in the multinational all-comers DELTA Registry for unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis. However, an advantage of CABG over PCI was observed in the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, driven by the higher incidence of target vessel revascularization with PCI.

Acadesine doesn't help improve outcomes post-CABG

Administering the adenosine-regulating agent acadesine to intermediate- and high-risk patients undergoing CABG did not reduce their risk of all-cause mortality, stroke or left ventricular dysfunction, according to the results of the RED-CABG trial published July 10 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Feature: Many readmissions after heart attack not due to index MI

Hospitals may be doing a better job at treating incident MIs, but the increasing frequency of multiple morbidities among survivors may cloud this improved performance, according to a study on 30-day rehospitalizations that was published July 3 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The findings put a spotlight on the use of rehospitalization as a quality metric.

NEJM: Delirium post-CABG leads to drop in cognitive function

Developing delirium post-CABG can lead to a decreased cognitive function in patients and a prolonged period of impairment after hospital discharge, according to a study published July 5 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The researchers said that delirium patients could benefit from further intervention and customized rehabilitation after hospital discharge.

Patients who refuse transfusions after cardiac surgery fare better

Patients who refuse blood transfusions after undergoing cardiac surgery are not at an increased risk for surgical complications or death, a study published online July 2 in Archives of Internal Medicine found.

Six Tips for Starting a Radial Program

Starting a radial program takes forethought and commitment. Three seasoned operators offer guidance for building a successful program.

Pros & Cons of Closure Devices: Its Nip & Tuck

Many physicians praise vascular closure devices for providing patients comfort and convenience, but they remain skeptical of the devices safety.

Back Page | On Culture, Cath Labs and Keeping Talent

A cath labs culture plays a key role in staff recruitment and retention. But what contributes to a good or bad culture?

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