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.

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.

A view showing the close relationship between the mitral and aortic valves and how the overhang of a longer TAVR valve can interfere with the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). Image from a mitral echo assessment using Siemens eSie Valves software at ACC22.

The latest data on mitral valve infective endocarditis after TAVR

Self-expanding heart valves and the presence of significant PVL were both linked to a heightened risk of mitral valve infective endocarditis after TAVR.

Virtual reality specialists launch new training solutions for endovascular surgery

The virtual reality training sessions were designed to feature "the same sights, sound and sensations a surgeon would encounter during real procedures."

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