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.

Medtronic Symplicity Spyral renal denervation

FDA approves another renal denervation system for hypertension

This is the second time in a matter of weeks the FDA has approved an RDN system for uncontrolled hypertension. The SCAI issued a statement about this trend, calling it a “game-changer for both interventional cardiology and the treatment of hypertension."

Thumbnail

TAVR linked to favorable outcomes for asymptomatic and minimally symptomatic patients—but is it necessary?

While TAVR is safe for minimally symptomatic patients, questions remain about whether or not it is actually needed. A new analysis in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions examines this topic in detail.

Ramon Varcoe explains the LIFE-BTK trial for the Abbott Esprit fully bioresobable scaffold at TCT23.

Fully bioresorbable stents boost care for CLI patients in LIFE-BTK trial

Ramon Varcoe, MBBS, co-principal investigator for the LIFE-BTK trial, discussed the results with Cardiovascular Business at TCT 2023. "I can't wait to start using these in my patients. It's going to make a huge difference."

Rasha Al-Lamee, MBBS, PhD, a cardiologist with the National Heart and Lung Institute in London

PCI benefits patients with stable chest pain, late-breaking data confirm

“Going forward, patients and medical teams have a choice of two pathways for chest pain relief: chest pain medication or PCI," one cardiologist said. 

PHOTO GALLERY: Interventional cardiology technologies at TCT 2023

Browse through some of the many highlights from TCT 2023 in San Francisco.

Matthias Götberg discusses iFR vs. FFR from the National SWEDEHEART Quality Registry at #TCT2023. #iFR

iFR and FFR are equal, new long-term analysis confirms

There were some concerns among researchers after one study suggested iFR may increase the risk of mortality. New data presented at TCT 2023, however, showed that the two technologies are linked to similar outcomes. 

Recor Medical's Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation System

FDA approves first renal denervation system for uncontrolled hypertension

The system, designed for patients with uncontrolled hypertension who are unresponsive to medication, uses ultrasound ablation to target nerves in the renal arteries, increasing blood flow. This approval comes just months after an FDA advisory panel voted in favor of the system. 

FDA announces Class I recall of nearly 2,000 catheter kits

Medical facilities and distributors have been advised to immediately discontinue the use of these devices due to a significant labeling issue. 

Around the web

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

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.