Interventional Cardiology

This cardiac subspecialty uses minimally invasive, catheter-based technologies in a cath lab to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease (CAD). The main focus in on percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to revascularize patients with CAD that is causing blockages resulting in ischemia or myocardial infarction. PCI mainly consists of angioplasty and implanting stents. Interventional cardiology has greatly expanded in scope over recent years to include a number of transcatheter structural heart interventions.

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First patient treated with BASILICA before valve-in-valve TAVR in a mechanically-expanded valve

A heart team chose to perform BASILICA before valve-in-valve TAVR in a failed Lotus device to help minimize the risk of complications. These scenarios will likely grow more and more common as patients outlive their TAVR valves.

What is chronic venous insufficiency? Cardiologist shares perspective on President Trump’s diagnosis

President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. He underwent a complete evaluation due to swelling in his legs, the White House announced, and is in “excellent health” otherwise. 

PCI

Use of imaging guidance during coronary interventions has doubled in recent years

New research, published in The American Journal of Cardiology, uncovers widespread variability in provider preference for image guidance during PCI. 

healthcare business deal

Medtronic expands peripheral portfolio with new distribution deal

The company has finalized an exclusive distribution deal with Future Medical Design to sell its stainless steel peripheral guidewires in the United States. 

Caranx Medical TAVIPILOT

FDA clears AI-powered software for real-time TAVR guidance

Caranx Medical is focused on using AI, robotics and other advanced technologies to expand patient access to life-saving procedures. This new software, for example, helps guide cardiologists through complex TAVR procedures.

The Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation system uses a catheter that curls in the renal artery to place radiofrequency electrodes against the vessel wall to ablate the nerves that control vasodilation, so the artery can be propped in the fully open position.

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for renal denervation

This proposal, if finalized, would dramatically increase patient access to renal denervation. Both Recor Medical and Medtronic have shared their excitement over the news.

The balloon-expandable Myval transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) valve is associated with positive real-world data after four years.

Myval TAVR valve associated with positive durability data after 4 years

Researchers have been spending more and more time evaluating the Myval TAVR valve from Indian medtech company Meril Life Sciences. The balloon-expandable device is available in some parts of the world, but not the United States.

An FDA panel will discuss its recommendations related to Abbott's TriClip G4 transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for tricuspid regurgitation.

Medicare now covers TriClip procedures for patients with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation

CMS has finalized a new national coverage determination for T-TEER, sometimes known as transcatheter tricuspid valve repair. Abbott's TriClip is the only device approved by the FDA for T-TEER, but other treatment options are under development.