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.

Impella Heart Pump Abiomed RECOVER IV RCT cardiogenic shock

Impella use may not improve high-risk PCI outcomes

Impella heart pumps may not provide as much value when treating high-risk patients as early data suggested.

Biolimus A9 Coated Balloon from BioAscend

In-stent restenosis after PCI: New biolimus-coated balloon non-inferior to paclitaxel devices

A new study of nearly 300 PCI patients suggests biolimus-coated balloons could provide significant value to interventional cardiologists in the years ahead.  

Thumbnail

Routine stress tests after PCI make little difference, even in high-risk ACS patients

Some care teams have turned to a more active follow-up strategy for high-risk PCI patients—but it may not provide much value. 

doctor with overweight patient who may be treated with TAVR or surgery

How persistent AFib impacts TAVR survival

Persistent and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation appear to affect short- and long-term TAVR mortality rates in different ways, according to a new study of nearly 3,000 patients. Some trends fade over time, while others remain in place after many years. 

Video interview with Peter Monteleone, MD, explaining the primary catheter-based interventional tools used to treat pulmonary embolism (PE).

A cardiologist's guide to treating pulmonary embolism

Interventional cardiologist Peter Monteleone, MD, discussed the primary tools used to treat pulmonary embolism in the cath lab.

artificial intelligence in cardiology

AI can help cardiologists predict death after TAVR—but there is a catch

It's clear that advanced AI algorithms will radically transform care for TAVR patients in the years ahead. For now, however, certain AI models may require too much data to be helpful on a consistent basis. 

Elutia, a Maryland-based healthcare technology company, has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for EluPro, its new biologic envelope specifically designed for patients with implantable pacemakers and defibrillators. It was also cleared for use when implanting other types of devices, including neurostimulators and neuromodulators.

FDA clears new drug-eluting envelope for implantable cardiac devices—CEO sees it as ‘tip of the iceberg’

Elutia, formerly known as Aziyo Biologics, is already targeting additional uses for the newly approved device. 

Thumbnail

The waiting game: Delaying TAVR increases healthcare costs by $10K per year

Delaying TAVR in eligible patients with severe AS can lead to much higher healthcare costs, according to a new study of real-world Medicare data.