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.

Angiographic catheters recalled due to safety risk
The new Class I recall includes nearly 27,000 devices that could potentially experience a harmful defect during use.
AMA to advocate for improved Medicare payments for office-based labs
SCAI and other healthcare groups want changes made to how healthcare providers are paid after performing office-based lab procedures. "As much as we love delivering care as doctors, if we are losing money doing something, we cannot sustain it," one cardiologist explained.
Cardiologist became paralyzed after wearing heavy aprons in the cath lab for decades—but he fought back
Dean J. Kereiakes, MD, was left paralyzed after battling severe orthopedic issues for his entire career. Back in the cath lab after a long recovery, he is now stressing the importance of workplace safety among interventional cardiologists.
Cardiologists using less contrast in the cath lab—but there is room to improve
Researchers emphasized that minimizing procedural contrast use is an effective way to reduce the risk of post-PCI acute kidney injury.
Society of Interventional Radiology joins others in urging Medicare payment for high-cost disposables
The resolution urges the AMA to advocate for separate payment for certain services using supplies priced above $500, as well as those containing high-cost equipment.

An updated look at the latest self-expandable and balloon-expandable TAVR devices

Researchers have completed a new analysis of the Evolut Pro and Pro+ devices from Medtronic and the Sapien 3 Ultra devices from Edwards Lifesciences, sharing the results in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

FDA changes indications for Impella RP heart pump after dramatic shift in mortality rate

The Impella RP System is still associated with significant benefits, the FDA said, but there are certain high-risk patients who should no longer be eligible for treatment.

An inflated intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) with the Maquet Cardiosave system.

Supply chain problems: FDA warns of new shortage of intra-aortic balloon pumps, catheters and spare parts

Getinge has provided a detailed breakdown of the shortage, stating that it is not yet clear when it may be over. The FDA said it will keep a close eye on the situation and provide updates when possible.

Boston Scientific's new TAVR system associated with high success rate, low mortality rate

The new-look device gained CE mark approval in Europe in 2020, but it has not been approved yet in the United States.

Socioeconomic status and mental health make a big impact on AVR outcomes

Nontraditional risk factors such as dementia, PTSD, bipolar disorder and low socioeconomic status are all important to consider when patients are candidates for aortic valve replacement.

A study that analyzed patient outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in veterans showed outcomes for on-pump and off-pump procedures over 10 years to be similar. Photo by Jim Lennon

Radial artery grafts vs. saphenous vein grafts for CABG: Does one outperform the other?

The new study, published in Circulation, represents a collaboration between specialists from a variety of facilities, including Cleveland Clinic and the University of Arizona.

Interview with the late-breaking BEST-CLI trial principal investigators Alik Farber from Boston Medical Center, Matthew Menard from Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Ken Rosenfield at Mass General Hospital, at the 2022 American Heart Association (AHA) meeting. The trial looked at endovascular versus bypass surgery in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) to see which is better. #AHA22

VIDEO: Surgery vs. endovascular intervention for critical limb ischemia in the BEST-CLI trial

Watch our exclusive interview, recorded live at the AHA Scientific Sessions 2022 conference, with three investigators from the BEST-CLI trial.

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare

Predictors of 1-year mortality after TAVR are significantly different among men and women

Atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease, for example, are both predictors of mortality among women, but not men.

Cath Lab

Angiographic catheters recalled due to safety risk

AMA to advocate for improved Medicare payments for office-based labs

Cardiologist became paralyzed after wearing heavy aprons in the cath lab for decades—but he fought back

Cardiologists using less contrast in the cath lab—but there is room to improve

Society of Interventional Radiology joins others in urging Medicare payment for high-cost disposables