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.

Edwards Lifesciences INSPIRIS RESILIA Aortic Valve

Resilia tissue developed by Edwards Lifesciences linked to long-term benefits

Researchers tracked nearly 1,000 SAVR patients, presenting eight-year data at the Heart Valve Society’s annual meeting in Cairo, Egypt. 

Conavi Medical’s Novasight Hybrid System catheter

FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns

A catheter sheath detached during use and was left in the patient’s body. It was successfully removed, but the FDA said it is now evaluating the potential risk to others going forward. There is no official recall at this time.

Solo Pace Incorporated SoloPace Control System

Cardiologist-founded startup announces FDA clearance, first uses of new TAVR pacing system

“The device takes variability out of the procedure by giving the operator full control while automating ramp-up and back-up algorithms," according to a clinician who used the new technology. "The TAVR procedure is simplified, reducing physician and staff workload."

cardiologist viewing heart data

Death after 1 year more common for real-world low-risk TAVR patients than those treated in clinical trials

Real-world patients were still associated with "excellent" outcomes, but it is important for cardiologists and patients alike to know as much as possible about the odds of survival following treatment. 

LUMA Vision Verafeye Visualization Platform

FDA clears catheter-based 4D visualization platform for complex heart procedures

The new technology from LUMA Vision allows operators to deliver 2D and 4D ultrasound images in real time. The advanced catheter was built with maneuverability and increased visibility in mind.

Video of Deepak Bhatt explaining the benefits of bentracimab in the late-breaking Phase 3 REVERSE-IT trial.

New drug reverses antiplatelet effects of ticagrelor, helping surgeons avoid a 'bloody mess'

Deepak Bhatt, MD, believes bentracimab could be a game-changer if it gains approval. "I think it's the sort of drug that every emergency room and ICU would have to stock," he said. "A cardiac care unit would have to stock a couple of doses, as would every cath lab."

Edwards Lifesciences Sapien M3

Edwards Lifesciences announces key approval for new mitral valve replacement system

The Sapien M3 device was designed to treat symptomatic mitral regurgitation in patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.

A majority of medical devices involved in Class I recalls were never required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo premarket or postmarket clinical testing, according to new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.[1]

Why surgery, not TAVR, remains the best treatment for some AS patients

TAVR is being used in more patients to treat severe aortic stenosis. However, according to a new commentary piece, SAVR is still the smartest treatment option for certain populations, including younger patients with bicuspid aortic valves.

Around the web

"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.

If President Trump initiates a 25% tariff against pharmaceuticals imported from Ireland, it might impact the price for X-ray iodine contrast agents in the U.S. depending what rules are put in place.