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.

Dean Kereiakes, a nationally renowned interventional cardiologist and president of The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute, has long been recognized for his groundbreaking work in cardiovascular research and intervention. But in 2024, his career and his life were permanently altered when decades of wearing heavy lead protection in the cath lab left him paralyzed.

Cardiologist became paralyzed after wearing heavy aprons in the cath lab for decades—but he fought back

Dean J. Kereiakes, MD, was left paralyzed after battling severe orthopedic issues for his entire career. Back in the cath lab after a long recovery, he is now stressing the importance of workplace safety among interventional cardiologists.

PCI

Cardiologists using less contrast in the cath lab—but there is room to improve

Researchers emphasized that minimizing procedural contrast use is an effective way to reduce the risk of post-PCI acute kidney injury. 

Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

Heart patients benefit when cardiologists follow a standardized TAVR protocol

Using a standardized approach, including the cusp overlap technique, is associated with improved patient outcomes when implanting Medtronic's self-expanding TAVR valves. Researchers tracked data from more than 600 patients treated all over the world, presenting their findings in JSCAI.

Reflow Medical Spur Peripheral Retrievable Stent System

New-look peripheral stent with expandable spikes receives FDA’s de novo classification

California-based Reflow Medical gained the approval after submitting data from the DEEPER REVEAL clinical trial. The device was associated with a high success rate and improved outcomes in CLTI patients.

Compensation for U.S. cardiologists is up across the board, according to a recent survey published by MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology company. The report identified similar trends for cardiovascular surgeons, highlighting the country’s high demand for all heart specialists in 2024 and beyond.

SCAI celebrates legacies of pioneer pediatric cardiologists

Five veteran clinicians have been recognized for their lasting impact on the field of pediatric cardiology. 

Roadsaver Carotid Stent System

Terumo Interventional Systems launches dual-layer micromesh carotid stent after FDA approval

The dual-layer micromesh stent was designed with the flexibility of an open-cell stent and is available in multiple sizes.

heart drugs with stethoscope

How anticoagulants may impact a patient’s risk of gastrointestinal bleeding after TAVR

Researchers tracked the rates of major gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with AFib randomized to receive edoxaban or a vitamin K antagonist after a successful TAVR procedure.

pull plug electric socket

Boston Scientific pulls plug on TAVR devices after failing to gain FDA approval

After years of trying to catch up with the competition, Boston Scientific is moving on. The company is no longer seeking approval from the FDA or any other regulatory agencies for these devices, and all global sales have been discontinued.