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.

Cook Medical endovascular grafts recalled due to risk of coating breaking off, entering patient’s bloodstream.

Endovascular grafts recalled due to risk of coating breaking off, entering bloodstream

Customers are urged to examine their inventory, quarantine any unused products and return them to the manufacturer. 

FDA recall medical device recall product recall

FDA confirms new recall for Johnson & Johnson heart device over safety concerns

Three patient deaths have been linked to connectivity issues with these devices. The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall.

 Advances in intravascular imaging and physiology assessment are reshaping how interventional cardiologists plan and optimize percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), but workflow challenges continue to limit adoption, according to Haroon Faraz, MD, director of interventional cardiology and cardiovascular research at Hackensack University Medical Center.

New strategies for intravascular imaging and physiological assessments in the cath lab

"If you're not using an intravascular imaging modality, the PCI is not optimal," explained Haroon Faraz, MD, from Hackensack University Medical Center. Faraz is hopeful new and improved technologies will help these modalities become more popular among interventional cardiologists.

A diabetic foot ulcer that does not heal due to low blood supply from peripheral artery disease (PAD), and the before and after interventional angiograms of the patient's revascularization treatment. Images courtesy of Foluso Fakorede, MD

ACC calls for better management of peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients

PAD in patients with diabetes is common and associated with an increased risk of several adverse events. A new guidance from the American College of Cardiology reviewed this topic at length, identifying areas where care needs to improve.

Compensation for U.S. cardiologists is up across the board, according to a recent survey published by MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology company. The report identified similar trends for cardiovascular surgeons, highlighting the country’s high demand for all heart specialists in 2024 and beyond.

SCAI town hall addresses workforce concerns in interventional cardiology

One of the event's primary takeaways was that interventional cardiology does still attract a healthy number of trainees. However, SCAI sees several ways the specialty can improve to be even more appealing in the future. 

Abbott has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and CE mark approval for its Amplatzer Piccolo Delivery System.

FDA clears Abbott delivery device for closing holes in the hearts of premature infants

Cardiologists now have a new tool to assist with PDA closure in these vulnerable patients.

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TAVR or SAVR? Market competition may be influencing these decisions

Hospitals located in more competitive markets may be more likely to perform TAVR instead of SAVR, according to a new analysis of more than 130,000 patients. Is this a reason for concern?

Herbert D. Aronow, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM, medical director, heart and vascular service line and the Benson Ford Chair in Cardiology at Henry Ford Health, member of board, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the explains how hospitals can set up renal denervation (RDN) programs and how the reimbursement landscape is changing with new Medicare coverage.

How to get reimbursed for renal denervation

Herbert D. Aronow, MD, reviewed the many ways the reimbursement landscape is changing thanks to new Medicare policies. “This is a really exciting time in the renal denervation space," he said.