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.

SAVR outperforms TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valves
BAV patients are often excluded from TAVR trials, creating uncertainty about the best way to treat that population when aortic valve replacement is required. To learn more, researchers tracked CMS data from 2018 to 2022, presenting their findings in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Intravascular lithotripsy technology now a top priority for many healthcare companies
After the significant success of Shockwave Medical's IVL therapy to break up heavily calcified vessels without trauma, there are now several companies working on their own IVL devices.
SCAI president reviews achievements in interventional cardiology in 2024
SCAI President James Hermiller, MD, recently outlined the key achievements for 2024, including creation of the first interventional cardiology match program, successful advocacy and efforts to increase women in the field.
Treating AFib patients with TAVR still linked to elevated risks
While the technology and techniques associated with TAVR have advanced over the years, treating patients who present with baseline atrial fibrillation is still associated with certain risks.
Industry concerns over paclitaxel-coated devices may have put PAD patients at risk
Back in 2019, the FDA issued a warning about the use of paclitaxel-coated devices when treating peripheral artery disease. The agency took back that warning in 2023, but it appears to have made a significant impact on patient care.

Cardiologist argues for combination therapy for stroke, heart attack—but is anyone listening?

Victor Gurewich, MD, has spent more than two decades trying to spread the word about what he sees as an effective, lifesaving treatment approach to heart attack and stroke. At 88 years old, the cardiologist is hoping to breakthrough soon—and a new clinical trial in Europe could help.

April 6, 2018

Genetic testing to inform antiplatelet choice reduces adverse events post-PCI

A genetic test to inform decisions about what antiplatelet to use following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) significantly reduced the number of major cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events in a single-center study published in Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine.

April 3, 2018

LGB adults have poor cardiovascular health compared to heterosexual counterparts

Lesbian, gay and bisexual adults are likely to have poor cardiovascular health compared to heterosexual counterparts, according to findings presented March 20 at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Lifestyle conference in New Orleans.

March 21, 2018

Higher mortality rates in women after PCI driven by noncardiac causes

The higher rates of all-cause mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) observed in women can be attributed to noncardiac factors, suggests a single-center study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.

March 20, 2018

Teaming Up to Treat Pulmonary Emboli: Clotbusters Illustrates Potential of Coordinated Response Programs

At one hospital, an aggressive treatment PE treatment program has dramatically reduced mortality.

August 2, 2016

Interventional Cardiology

SAVR outperforms TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valves

Intravascular lithotripsy technology now a top priority for many healthcare companies

SCAI president reviews achievements in interventional cardiology in 2024

Treating AFib patients with TAVR still linked to elevated risks

Industry concerns over paclitaxel-coated devices may have put PAD patients at risk