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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

‘World’s smallest heart pump’ receives FDA’s breakthrough device designation

The FDA’s decision was based largely on clinical data from the first 21 patients to receive the device.

Right heart catheterization boosts outcomes for cardiogenic shock patients

Cardiogenic shock patients who underwent right heart catheterization had lower mortality and stroke rates during their index admission. An improvement was also seen in that group's 30-day readmission rate.

More data ‘urgently needed’ on link between coronary revascularization and cognitive decline

Should CABG and PCI patients be concerned about potential long-term cognitive issues? The current evidence is unclear.

Magnets in some cell phones, smart watches can affect implanted medical devices, new research confirms

A team of FDA researchers led the study, testing the magnets found in various iPhone 12 and Apple Watch 6 models.

How recent marijuana use impacts PCI outcomes

Cerebrovascular accidents following PCI appear to be more common when the patient has a history of recent marijuana use.

Radial access bests femoral access for PCI on CKD patients

The authors tracked data from more than 7,000 high-risk patients who underwent PCI from January 2000 to January 2021.

Rivaroxaban limits adverse limb and cardiovascular events in surgically treated PAD patients

Rivaroxaban was associated with more bleeding than a placebo, researchers observed, but the overall incidence of such events was still low.

TMVR outcomes suffer when patients have heart failure and diabetes—but benefits remain

Overall, the authors emphasized, TMVR helped heart failure patients with and without diabetes.

Interventional Cardiology

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

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

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

Medtronic expands peripheral portfolio with new distribution deal

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