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.

Intravascular lithotripsy technology now a top priority for many healthcare companies
After the significant success of Shockwave Medical's IVL therapy to break up heavily calcified vessels without trauma, there are now several companies working on their own IVL devices.
SCAI president reviews achievements in interventional cardiology in 2024
SCAI President James Hermiller, MD, recently outlined the key achievements for 2024, including creation of the first interventional cardiology match program, successful advocacy and efforts to increase women in the field.
Contrast injections during angiography, PCI unlikely to cause coronary injuries
The pressure changes associated with contrast injections are minimal, researchers noted, especially once you move away from the tip of the catheter.
Charles E. Mullins remembered as a pioneer of interventional pediatric cardiology
Charles E. Mullins, MD, a U.S. Army veteran who went on to practice medicine for five decades, died at the age of 92. SCAI shared a loving tribute to Mullins, calling him the "father of modern interventional pediatric cardiology."
IVUS-guided PCI reduces risks in patients with diabetes
PCI can be more challenging in high-risk patients presenting with diabetes and ACS. IVUS guidance was associated with improved outcomes among these patients compared to angiography guidance alone.

Balloon expansion deployment of an Edwards Lifesciences Sapien 3 transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) device.

TAVR vs. surgery: Exploring 5-year outcomes among intermediate-risk patients

A group of renowned TAVR specialists examined data from 783 pairs of intermediate-risk patients, sharing their findings in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

July 6, 2023

The Edwards Lifesciences Sapien transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) device in a heart model used to show patients how the device works.

Balloon-expandable valves deliver better short-term TAVR outcomes than self-expandable valves

A new meta-analysis, published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, focused on data from nearly 3,000 patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.

June 28, 2023

The ReCor (left) and Medtronic Symplicity Spyral renal denervation systems.

FDA panel to review renal denervation system PMA submissions

The FDA Circulatory System Devices Panel is set to review the PMA submissions for the ReCor and Medtronic renal denervation systems to treat patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

June 22, 2023

The Surdonics SurVeil drug-coated balloon to treat peripheral artery disease.

FDA approves next-gen DCB, earning the manufacturer a $27M payment from Abbott

The new-look DCB was designed to provide care with a significantly lower drug load than similar devices.

June 20, 2023

The Surmodics Pounce Thrombectomy System

FDA clears new ‘grab-and-go’ interventional device for below-the-knee blood clot removal

The new device was designed to remove thrombi and emboli from peripheral arteries ranging from 2 to 4 mm.

June 14, 2023

Malissa J. Wood, MD, associate chief of cardiology for diversity and equity, and co-director, Corrigan Women’s Heart Health Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, spoke with Cardiovascular Business to explains some of the latest data from the iSCAD Registry presented at the American College of Cardiology 2023 meeting. She also discussed how these patients are currently diagnosed and and managed. #SCAD

Management of patients with SCAD

Malissa Wood, MD, co-director of Corrigan Women’s Heart Health Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, shares some of the latest data from the iSCAD Registry.

June 7, 2023