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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CSI’s orbital atherectomy system debuts in Canada

An interventional cardiologist at Toronto General Hospital performed the procedures. 

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‘World’s smallest heart pump’ receives FDA’s breakthrough device designation

The FDA’s decision was based largely on clinical data from the first 21 patients to receive the device.

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Right heart catheterization boosts outcomes for cardiogenic shock patients

Cardiogenic shock patients who underwent right heart catheterization had lower mortality and stroke rates during their index admission. An improvement was also seen in that group's 30-day readmission rate. 

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More data ‘urgently needed’ on link between coronary revascularization and cognitive decline

Should CABG and PCI patients be concerned about potential long-term cognitive issues? The current evidence is unclear. 

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Magnets in some cell phones, smart watches can affect implanted medical devices, new research confirms

A team of FDA researchers led the study, testing the magnets found in various iPhone 12 and Apple Watch 6 models. 

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How recent marijuana use impacts PCI outcomes

Cerebrovascular accidents following PCI appear to be more common when the patient has a history of recent marijuana use. 

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Radial access bests femoral access for PCI on CKD patients

The authors tracked data from more than 7,000 high-risk patients who underwent PCI from January 2000 to January 2021. 

Rivaroxaban limits adverse limb and cardiovascular events in surgically treated PAD patients

Rivaroxaban was associated with more bleeding than a placebo, researchers observed, but the overall incidence of such events was still low.

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.