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.

Choosing left radial access in the cath lab helps cardiologists limit radiation exposure
Using a left radial artery approach in the cath lab exposes interventional cardiologists to significantly less radiation than a hyper-adducted right radial artery approach. The difference is substantial enough for researchers to declare LRA "the primary access site for cardiac catheterization."
Advances in bioresorbable stents show promise for treating PAD
Bioresorbable stents are back in the spotlight thanks to some significant progress from multiple medtech companies. Eric Secemsky, MD, discussed some of the biggest breakthroughs in this space at CRT 2025.
SCAI leaders 'on a mission' to improve cath lab protection from radiation, orthopedic injury
SCAI President James Hermiller, Jr., MD, explains the need for more innovative radiation protection systems in the cath lab.
Cardiologists are first in world to use new TAVR catheter from Boston Scientific
The new Self-Centering Guide Catheter was designed to help care teams with the retrograde crossing of the aortic valve during TAVR. Researchers evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the catheter, sharing their experience in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.
Shockwave Medical launches new IVL catheter for targeting challenging lesions in PAD patients
The new-look Javelin Peripheral IVL Catheter was designed to travel through extremely narrowed blood vessels and target plaques with up to 120 pulses.

The Shockwave Medical M5+ new peripheral intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheter cuts procedures times in half and was showed for the first time at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2022 meeting. It is designed to break up calcium in heavily calcified arteries to avoid the need for vessel trauma caused by high pressure angioplasty.

VIDEO: Shockwave Medical demonstrates faster intravascular lithotripsy at ACC.22

The new Shockwave Medical M5+ peripheral intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheter made its debut at ACC.22.

Regulatory roundup: FDA clears new solutions from Boston Scientific, CathVision, Franklin Mountain Medical

It has been a busy few weeks for the FDA, with plenty of big-name approvals and recalls making the news, but there have also been some other big announcements related to solutions receiving FDA clearance.

Real-world Watchman patients experiencing fewer complications after LAAO than seen in clinical trials

The study's authors compared findings from the PROTECT-AF and PREVAIL clinical trials with data from the NCDR LAAO Registry, focusing on short-term and long-term outcomes.

interventional cardiology heart failure cleveland clinic

4 promising heart failure therapies interventional cardiologists should keep an eye on

The devices, currently being investigated by teams of heart specialists, could make a big impact in the years ahead.

Same-day discharge after LAAO associated with strong outcomes, significant cost savings

A new analysis found that 30-day outcomes do not significantly change when LAAO patients go home the same day as their procedure.

Medtronic recalls Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve's delivery catheter after multiple complaints, 1 injury

Customers have been asked to return all unused devices and pause any new clinical trials involving the Harmony TPV.

4 support catheters receive FDA clearance for coronary use

The catheters were developed to be used during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures for coronary artery disease.

TricValve Transcatheter Bicaval Valves System Cleveland Clinic

Interventional cardiologists complete first heart procedure of its kind in North America

While the system used during the procedure has not yet gained full FDA approval, this patient was treated under a compassionate-use clearance from the agency.

Cath Lab

Choosing left radial access in the cath lab helps cardiologists limit radiation exposure

Advances in bioresorbable stents show promise for treating PAD

SCAI leaders 'on a mission' to improve cath lab protection from radiation, orthopedic injury

Cardiologists are first in world to use new TAVR catheter from Boston Scientific

Shockwave Medical launches new IVL catheter for targeting challenging lesions in PAD patients