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.

The Medtronic CoreValve Evolute on display at ACC 2022. The valve performed better than surgical valved in terms on structural deterioration. #ACC22

Redo TAVR appears feasible for most patients with supra-annular, self-expanding Evolut valves

Researchers evaluated data from more than 200 patients who underwent redo TAVR, noting that women and patients with a higher BMI faced a higher risk of coronary flow compromise.

ACS and revascularization after TAVR: New data on a high-risk scenario

“It is vital to identify patients who are at a high risk for ACS after TAVR for potential treatment beforehand,” according a new analysis published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

The variable fluorescence attenuation of blood has been a hindrance to near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) measurements in cardiovascular imaging. Fortunately, researchers have devised an innovative correction method in which the guidewire (GW) is coated with the fluorescent agent (ICG) and used as a reference standard in each frame, leading to a much higher accuracy. Credit: Rauschendorfer et al., doi 10.1117/1.JBO.28.4.046001

New technique improves accuracy of near-infrared fluorescence imaging

NIRF imaging could help interventional cardiologists personalize care in the cath lab, but a key engineering issue needed to be solved first.

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Clopidogrel linked to better long-term outcomes than aspirin in PCI patients with and without diabetes

Clopidogrel is especially effective at limiting major adverse cardiovascular events among PCI patients with diabetes, researchers found. 

The LuX-Valve Plus transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) device

Cardiologists make history, perform TTVR with new-look valve for first time in U.S.

The new valve was placed inside the damaged valve via a catheter that is inserted through a small incision in the patient's neck. 

SCAI blasts Medicare payment cuts to cardiology, asks members to take action

The group hopes its members can increase congressional support of a new bill introduced in the House. 

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TAVR vs. SAVR in patients with pure aortic regurgitation: Key insights from a new Cleveland Clinic study

Patients with pure native AR are often excluded from clinical trials comparing TAVR and SAVR, leading to a lack of clarity when it comes to the proper treatment of this population.

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AI predicts the likelihood of a common TAVR complication

Many patients still require a permanent pacemaker following TAVR. In fact, it is more common after TAVR than after surgical aortic valve replacement.