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.

cardiologist viewing heart data

Registry data point to ‘striking shift’ in treatment decisions after FDA approved low-risk TAVR

Many experts still recommend SAVR over TAVR for patients younger than 65 years old with severe aortic stenosis. However, transcatheter treatments are growing more and more popular when these younger patients require a valve replacement.

Death after PCI seen in just 0.5% of patients—heart attack, cardiac arrest most common causes

The new analysis included data from more than 22,000 PCI patients treated at one of two high-volume U.S. facilities. Infection was the most common noncardiac cause of death.

Conformal Medical CLAAS

Gore completes acquisition of medtech company behind next-gen heart device

Gore has officially acquired Conformal Medical, the company known for an investigational LAAO device that uses a proprietary foam implant. The transaction was first announced in January.

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.

Medtronic’s RDN system receives new reimbursement approval

More than 40 million adults now have improved access to Medtronic's Symplicity Spyral renal denervation technology.

After years of implanting left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices in atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients, an interventional cardiologist with the University of Chicago Medical Center (UChicago Medicine) has developed a new device that could be a more affordable alternative to Boston Scientific’s Watchman and Abbott’s Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluder.

Cardiologist develops new heart device that uses gel to reduce stroke risk in AFib patients

After years of implanting and studying LAAO devices, an interventional cardiologist with the University of Chicago has designed a new alternative that could reduce the risk of bleeding and save health systems money.

leg amputation below the knee

PAD patients could be missing out on recommended care following major lower extremity amputations

Patients undergoing the procedures due to infection, chronic limb-threatening ischemia and other serious complications may not be receiving the follow-up care their need.

Medtronic's Evolut Pro TAVR valve treating aortic stenosis

TAVR linked to higher reintervention rate than SAVR in Evolut Low Risk trial update

The Evolut Low Risk trial has been one of cardiology’s most closely watched studies for years now. For the first five years after treatment, TAVR and SAVR were associated with comparable outcomes when treating low-risk patients. In this new six-year update, however, TAVR was linked to a heightened risk of reintervention not seen with SAVR. 

iad Ali, MD, DPhil, director of the DeMatteis Cardiovascular Institute and director investigational interventional cardiology, St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center, explains how coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) offers a shift in cardiac care and interventional cardiology because of the information it offers on plaque burden and ischemia based on fractional flow reserve CT (FFR-CT). #TCT #YesCCT

CCTA becoming an essential tool for interventional cardiologists

Ziad Ali, MD, explains how coronary computed tomography angiography is creating a major shift in cardiac care.