Cath Lab

The cardiac catheterization laboratory is used for diagnostic angiograms and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Cath labs have also seen expanding use in recent years for transcatheter structural heart procedures. Some hospitals also share these labs with other subspecialties for catheter-based procedures in electrophysiology (EP), interventional radiology, peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid and neuro interventional procedures and vascular surgery.

Why Shockwave Medical is so excited about the future of intravascular lithotripsy
Nick West, MD, Shockwave Medical's chief medical officer, detailed how the company is continuing to push IVL technologies forward. "We are leading the space ... we have no intention of giving up that position," he said.
New Medtronic thrombectomy system used commercially for first time
The new device uses an advanced algorithm to regulate aspiration and conserve blood. Ajit Rao, MD, a vascular surgeon with The Mount Sinai Hospital, performed the historic procedure.
Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE
Massachusetts-based SpectraWAVE has gained considerable momentum in recent years, planting its flag in some of cardiology’s biggest trends. The company was co-founded by cardiologists and has already secured multiple FDA clearances.
FDA clears new stent-based coronary thrombectomy system
The newly cleared system offers clinicians a new option for capturing and removing large coronary thrombi in patients undergoing primary PCI.
Siemens Healthineers unveils new AI-powered CCTA software
The new software, announced at RSNA 2025 in Chicago, was built to evaluate CCTA images for signs of coronary artery disease and improve cath lab efficiency.

Nick West, MD, chief medical officer, Shockwave Medical, Johnson and Johnson Meditech, explains how the company is innovating intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) therapy devices and building clinical evidence from trials for its use in a variety of calcified lesions. There are several companies developing IVL therapy, but West says Shockwave will remain the market leader because of its nearly decade long head start in the market, strong clinical evidence and has about a 10% market penetration. #IVKL

Why Shockwave Medical is so excited about the future of intravascular lithotripsy

Nick West, MD, Shockwave Medical's chief medical officer, detailed how the company is continuing to push IVL technologies forward. "We are leading the space ... we have no intention of giving up that position," he said.

The Medtronic Liberant thrombectomy system.

New Medtronic thrombectomy system used commercially for first time

The new device uses an advanced algorithm to regulate aspiration and conserve blood. Ajit Rao, MD, a vascular surgeon with The Mount Sinai Hospital, performed the historic procedure.

Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE

Massachusetts-based SpectraWAVE has gained considerable momentum in recent years, planting its flag in some of cardiology’s biggest trends. The company was co-founded by cardiologists and has already secured multiple FDA clearances.

Vesalio enVast coronary mechanical thrombectomy system gained FDA in December 2025.

FDA clears new stent-based coronary thrombectomy system

The newly cleared system offers clinicians a new option for capturing and removing large coronary thrombi in patients undergoing primary PCI.

Siemens Healthineers software Syngo.CT Coronary Cockpit

Siemens Healthineers unveils new AI-powered CCTA software

The new software, announced at RSNA 2025 in Chicago, was built to evaluate CCTA images for signs of coronary artery disease and improve cath lab efficiency.

Catheters recalled due to defect—FDA highlights risk of stroke or brain damage

The recall was put in place after a hydrophilic coating was discovered on the inside of the devices. According to the FDA, patients treated with the catheters could face a number of significant risks.

Argon Medical Devices Option Elite IVC filter

IVC filter recalled due to injury risk

Customers are urged to stop using these devices right away.

FDA clears TAVR guidewire built with BASILICA in mind

The Telltale system was designed to assist cardiologists when BASILICA is required prior to TAVR.