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.

With advances and increased experience in the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), same-day discharge (SDD) has become increasingly commonplace, but patient selection is key. Antithrombotic therapy may not be necessary for certain transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients, according to a new analysis published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Implementing a same-day PCI discharge pathway boils down to correct patient selection

Safety is key to which individuals are selected for SDD, and there can be benefits to both patients and health systems as this becomes the predominant model of care in elective PCI.

February 20, 2024
A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare. Sex differences in TAVR one-year mortality.

Anticoagulants after TAVR: 5-year survival data favor DOACs over VKAs

However, that one finding does not tell the whole story. Researchers also found that DOACs may increase a TAVR patient's risk of a disabling stroke.

February 15, 2024
Surender Malhotra, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, Georgia, is back on the job after losing his right arm in a near-fatal accident.

Georgia cardiologist treating heart patients again after losing arm in accident

A veteran interventional cardiologist lost his right arm in an accident, but did not let that stop him from returning to his patients. 

February 14, 2024
doctor looking at CLTI patient's leg

FDA grants bioresorbable scaffold system its breakthrough device designation to treat infrapopliteal lesions

The new drug-eluting device was designed to provide both stability and flexibility to patients presenting with below-the-knee lesions.  

February 14, 2024
An FDA panel will discuss its recommendations related to Abbott's TriClip G4 transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for tricuspid regurgitation.

FDA advisory panel votes in favor of Abbott’s TriClip device for tricuspid regurgitation

After hours of discussion, the panel determined that the benefits of using the TriClip G4 TEER system to treat TR outweigh any potential risks. 

February 14, 2024
doctor examines patient data on their tablet

New American College of Cardiology registry focuses on data from outpatient ambulatory surgical centers

The ACC launched its latest registry knowing that volumes at these outpatient facilities are expected to rise in the years ahead. 

February 13, 2024
An FDA panel will discuss its recommendations related to Abbott's TriClip G4 transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for tricuspid regurgitation.

FDA panel to consider Abbott’s TriClip device for tricuspid regurgitation

The panel's decision will be based on data from the TRILUMINATE study, which was ultimately positive for Abbott, but did lead to certain questions about patient outcomes.

February 13, 2024
AI cardiology heart artificial intelligence deep learning

AI could be a game-changer for TAVR, but cardiologists remain ‘irreplaceable’

The rise of TAVR as a go-to treatment option for many AS patients has been one of the biggest stories in cardiology for several years now. How will advanced AI models impact this trend going forward? 

February 12, 2024

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