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.

New heart device for ‘no-option’ chest pain patients shows early potential
The self-expanding, recapturable coronary sinus reducer was associated with a safe implant procedure and "promising" outcomes after six months. Additional research is already underway.
FDA clears AI-powered platform that personalizes care during TAVR, cardiac pacing procedures
The newly cleared CARA System from Cara Medical was designed to help clinicians before and during a variety of cardiac procedures. It provides a personalized 3D map of the patient's cardiac conduction system and then overlays that map onto live fluoroscopic images.
PFO closure after thromboembolism linked to strong 20-year outcomes
Recurrent strokes and TIAs were rare, though bleeding events among women did stand out as a trend to watch going forward.
Excessive alcohol use increases risk of amputation in CLTI patients
Identifying patients with alcohol use disorder prior to treatment may help care teams plan ahead and anticipate potential complications.
FDA shares new warning about Johnson & Johnson heart pumps after 4 injuries
This represents the latest in a series of safety concerns associated with the Impella platform. The FDA said it is still reviewing the matter and will keep the public informed as new details become available.

Interventional cardiologists back prior authorization bill, call current policies ‘costly' and ‘time consuming’

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions is the latest industry organization to show its support of the new legislation.

Cancer patients after PCI: Key statistics every cardiologist should know

Researchers examined data from nearly 1,200 PCI patients, sharing their findings in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Radial access outperforms femoral access for complex PCI, but questions persist

The findings could represent a significant change in patient care, specialists wrote, but "femoral believers" may not be swayed until additional data can be reviewed.

When STEMI patients present late, immediate and delayed PCI lead to similar outcomes

Exploring data from nearly 6,000 STEMI patients, the study's authors aimed to learn more about the impact of immediate vs. delayed PCI.

Elective revascularization with PCI or CABG provides long-term cardiovascular benefits, new meta-analysis confirms

Researchers evaluated data from 25 different randomized clinical trials, sharing their findings virtually at EuroPCR 2021.

Significant MR after TAVR linked to higher mortality rates—but staged interventions may help

Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair was associated with improved outcomes among TAVR patients with persistent mitral regurgitation.

FDA advisory: Magnets in cell phones, smart watches can affect implanted medical devices

Though this does not seem to be a significant issue, the agency still recommends keeping consumer electronics at least six inches away from implanted medical devices.

Smile for the camera: Cardiologists around the world performing live procedures for charity

The global event, now in its second year, is raising money for Doctors Without Borders.

Interventional Cardiology

New heart device for ‘no-option’ chest pain patients shows early potential

FDA clears AI-powered platform that personalizes care during TAVR, cardiac pacing procedures

PFO closure after thromboembolism linked to strong 20-year outcomes

Excessive alcohol use increases risk of amputation in CLTI patients

FDA shares new warning about Johnson & Johnson heart pumps after 4 injuries