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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Intravascular lithotripsy ‘safely and effectively’ facilitates stent delivery for CAD patients

The findings were presented Thursday, Oct. 15, at TCT Connect 2020.

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Bivalirudin bests heparin for treating heart attack patients undergoing PCI

The findings were presented Wednesday, Oct. 14, during TCT Connect 2020. 

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How to send more low-risk STEMI patients home early after PCI

Researchers developed and implemented a four-step process for identifying patients who can be discharged early following PCI. 

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Skip the aspirin? New study suggests prasugrel alone a safe option for CAD patients after PCI

One key detail is that no stent thrombosis events were reported among the study's 201 participants. 

Surgeons revive donor heart after death, complete successful transplant

The transplant, performed at UC San Diego Health, was part of an ongoing clinical trial. 

When Fear goes Viral

When Fear Goes Viral - What to Say to a Frightened Patient

SCAI’s president explains the key points she shares when reassuring patients who are reluctant to present for care.

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Veterans experience worse PCI outcomes at community hospitals than VA facilities

There was a 33% increase in a patient’s hazard for mortality if they received care at a community hospital.

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In-hospital bleeding, 30-day mortality higher among women undergoing TAVI

The study tracked nearly 700 patients who underwent TAVI at one of two facilities in Melbourne, Australia, over a ten-year period. 

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.