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.

money business cash flow dollar

It’s official: Johnson & Johnson completes $13B Shockwave Medical acquisition

The deal, first announced in April, has been finalized. Shockwave will now operate as a business unit within Johnson & Johnson MedTech, and its common stock is no longer trading on NASDAQ.

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Osteosarcopenia linked to much higher risk of death after TAVR—CT screening may prove valuable

Osteosarcopenia, an age-related condition associated with deterioration in the muscles and bones, nearly triples a patient’s risk of dying within one year of undergoing TAVR. 

Richard Heuser, MD, an interventional cardiologist known for his groundbreaking work in the field, leadership and strong business acumen, died on May 23. He was 73 years old.

Cardiologist Richard Heuser, interventional specialist and medical device pioneer, dies at 73

Heuser had a long, impactful career in cardiology. One former colleague said he was “an amazing interventional cardiologist and an even better human being.”

Leftr, Pedro Martinez-Clark, MD, FSCAI, interventional cardiologist, founder and medical director of Amavita Heart and Vascular Health during a PAD intervention. Right, an ultrasound evaluation of PAD in the legs. Amavita recently launched the Miami Initiative to Stop Amputation (MISA) to tackle the rising rates of amputations due to peripheral artery disease (PAD), in Latin, Haitian and Black communities in the Miami area. Photos courtesy of Amavita Heart and Vascular Health

Rising amputation rates spark new PAD initiative in Miami

"When you think about the rise of amputations in a country like the United States, that's concerning because it should not be happening here," one interventional cardiologist said. 

fasting before tavr or ablation

Fasting before coronary angiography, PCI may not be necessary

Relaxing fasting restrictions before interventional coronary procedures improves patient comfort—and there does not appear to be much of a downside. 

alternative approaches for transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures

Transcaval TAVR a safe, effective alternative for patients with severe AS

Researchers examined data from eight different studies, noting that transcaval TAVR appears to be a "viable alternative" when transfemoral access is not an option. The procedure was linked to an overall success rate of 98.5%.

Matthew Latacha, MD, Methodist Health System, cardiologist

Driver receives prison sentence for crash that killed cardiologist

Matthew Latacha, MD, was struck by a car while riding his bicycle in September 2023. He died on the scene. 

Transcatheter mitral valve interventions linked to lower stroke risk than surgery

Researchers performed a new meta-analysis of data from more than 51,000 patients. They examined a wide range of outcomes that also included AFib and all-cause mortality.