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.

heart surgery surgeons

When valves fail: Surgeons share advice for treating high-risk patients with TAVR explant and SAVR

When a patient’s TAVR valve fails, redo TAVR is not always a feasible option. TAVR explantation and SAVR are typically the answer in these cases, but that approach is associated with certain risks. 

TAVR and SAVR deliver similar outcomes for patients with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis

Paravalvular leak was more common after TAVR, as one may expect, but that was the only notable difference between the two aortic valve replacement strategies. The study's authors did highlight the importance of additional research, including larger studies with longer follow-up periods.

Intravascular lithotripsy IVL carotid artery TAVR

A new use for IVL: helping cardiologists secure transcarotid access for TAVR

IVL can do more than help prep patients for PCI. In fact, one heart team used Shockwave Medical's IVL technology to secure access for a high-risk TAVR patient.

A majority of medical devices involved in Class I recalls were never required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo premarket or postmarket clinical testing, according to new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.[1]

Answering key follow-up questions after the FDA approved TAVR in asymptomatic patients

The approval of certain TAVR valves to be used in asymptomatic patients is expected to make a significant impact on patient care going forward. 

Stenting ‘an important treatment option’ for PCI patients with complete blockages

The study's lead author emphasized that stenting during CTO PCI procedures "should be considered safe and effective in the long term."

artificial intelligence heart AI

AI predicts LBBB risk in TAVR patients prior to treatment

The authors tested out a variety of machine learning techniques, including large language models and more traditional algorithms. They focused on data that can be gathered prior to treatment, ensuring cardiologists know as much as possible before the procedure.

Srihari S. Naidu, MD, FACC, FAHA, MSCAI, assumed the role of president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) May 3 during the society's annual meeting. He outlined his ambitious plans to take SCAI in some new directions. #SCAI #SCAI2025

New SCAI president lists advocacy, cardiogenic shock among his top priorities

Srihari Naidu, MD, spoke to Cardiovascular Business about his plan to take SCAI in some bold new directions.

cannabis use disorder marijuana joint weed smoking

Consistent cannabis use linked to multiple cardiovascular risks for heart failure patients

Cannabis use can be especially harmful for heart failure patients, according to new data presented at SCAI 2025.