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.

FDA confirms new recall after catheter sheath was left in patient’s body
This is a Class I recall, which means the FDA believes these devices could cause a serious injury or death.
W. L. Gore & Associates to acquire medtech company behind foam-based LAAO system
Conformal Medical developed its CLAAS technology to help patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation reduce their risk of stroke without the use of anticoagulants. Back in August, the company raised $32 million to help ramp up research on the device.
FDA approves TMVR system from Edwards Lifesciences for high-risk heart patients
The Sapien M3 transcatheter mitral valve replacement system is implanted using a transseptal approach. The device previously received CE mark approval in 2025.
Endovascular grafts recalled due to risk of coating breaking off, entering bloodstream
Customers are urged to examine their inventory, quarantine any unused products and return them to the manufacturer.
FDA confirms new recall for Johnson & Johnson heart device over safety concerns
Three patient deaths have been linked to connectivity issues with these devices. The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall.

FDA confirms new recall after catheter sheath was left in patient’s body

This is a Class I recall, which means the FDA believes these devices could cause a serious injury or death.

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

W. L. Gore & Associates to acquire medtech company behind foam-based LAAO system

Conformal Medical developed its CLAAS technology to help patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation reduce their risk of stroke without the use of anticoagulants. Back in August, the company raised $32 million to help ramp up research on the device.

FDA approves TMVR system from Edwards Lifesciences for high-risk heart patients

The Sapien M3 transcatheter mitral valve replacement system is implanted using a transseptal approach. The device previously received CE mark approval in 2025.

Cook Medical endovascular grafts recalled due to risk of coating breaking off, entering patient’s bloodstream.

Endovascular grafts recalled due to risk of coating breaking off, entering bloodstream

Customers are urged to examine their inventory, quarantine any unused products and return them to the manufacturer.

FDA recall medical device recall product recall

FDA confirms new recall for Johnson & Johnson heart device over safety concerns

Three patient deaths have been linked to connectivity issues with these devices. The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall.

Advances in intravascular imaging and physiology assessment are reshaping how interventional cardiologists plan and optimize percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), but workflow challenges continue to limit adoption, according to Haroon Faraz, MD, director of interventional cardiology and cardiovascular research at Hackensack University Medical Center.

New strategies for intravascular imaging and physiological assessments in the cath lab

"If you're not using an intravascular imaging modality, the PCI is not optimal," explained Haroon Faraz, MD, from Hackensack University Medical Center. Faraz is hopeful new and improved technologies will help these modalities become more popular among interventional cardiologists.

A diabetic foot ulcer that does not heal due to low blood supply from peripheral artery disease (PAD), and the before and after interventional angiograms of the patient's revascularization treatment. Images courtesy of Foluso Fakorede, MD

ACC calls for better management of peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients

PAD in patients with diabetes is common and associated with an increased risk of several adverse events. A new guidance from the American College of Cardiology reviewed this topic at length, identifying areas where care needs to improve.

Compensation for U.S. cardiologists is up across the board, according to a recent survey published by MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology company. The report identified similar trends for cardiovascular surgeons, highlighting the country’s high demand for all heart specialists in 2024 and beyond.

SCAI town hall addresses workforce concerns in interventional cardiology

One of the event's primary takeaways was that interventional cardiology does still attract a healthy number of trainees. However, SCAI sees several ways the specialty can improve to be even more appealing in the future.