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 Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation system uses a catheter that curls in the renal artery to place radiofrequency electrodes against the vessel wall to ablate the nerves that control vasodilation, so the artery can be propped in the fully open position.

Renal denervation linked to significant blood pressure reductions after 3 years

An updated look at patients treated with Medtronic's renal denervation system was presented at ACC.22 and simultaneously published in The Lancet

April 6, 2022
While a vast majority of heart transplants in the United States are successful, unplanned hospitalizations after the procedures are still incredibly common. Top 10 reasons for readmission after heart transplant.

PCI vs. CABG for left main disease: Key takeaways from a new meta-analysis

Researchers explored data from five different randomized controlled trials, publishing their analysis in the American Journal of Cardiology.

April 5, 2022
ACC.22 kicked off on Saturday, April 2, in Washington, D.C.

Salt restrictions, PCI breakthroughs and a social media primer for cardiologists: Day 1 at ACC.22

Explore our on-the-ground coverage of the first day of ACC.22.

April 3, 2022
More than 6,000 IN.PACT Admiral Drug-Coated Balloons have been recalled, Medtronic announced Thursday.

Medtronic recalls more than 6,000 catheters due to potential damage, loss of sterility

The issue, identified during a routine inspection, appears to be related to a change in the manufacturing process. It has now been corrected, Medtronic said in a statement. 

April 1, 2022
Illustration of a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure using a Watchman device. Image courtesy of Johns Hopkins Medicine. #LAA #LAAO

Older LAAO patients, especially women, face a higher risk of complications

Researchers explored data from the National Inpatient Sample, sharing their findings in the American Journal of Cardiology.

March 21, 2022
Same-day discharge after TAVR is safe for low-risk patients, leads to considerable cost savings

Same-day discharge after TAVR is feasible and safe, new Cleveland Clinic study confirms

Cleveland Clinic turned to same-day discharge after TAVR during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding considerable success. 

March 21, 2022
PCI can improve the odds of survival for some ischemic heart failure patients with moderate-to-severe functional mitral regurgitation, according to a new study. Image courtesy of Beaumont Hospital. Interventional cardiology procedure in a cath lab at Beaumont Hospital.

PCI boosts survival for ischemic HF patients with moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation

Mortality rates can be especially high for ischemic HF patients presenting with FMR and LVSD, but PCI may offer some relief. 

March 17, 2022
Evolocumab limits adverse cardiovascular outcomes among PCI patients

Evolocumab limits adverse cardiovascular outcomes among PCI patients

Data from the FOURIER trial helped clinicians learn more about this popular PCSK9 inhibitor.

March 8, 2022

Around the web

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

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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