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.

PVL after TTVR linked to much lower survival rate, fewer clinical benefits
TTVR has made a major impact on heart patients all over the world. Just like aortic and mitral valve replacement, however, paravalvular leak is a serious complication that can lead to much worse outcomes.
SVS quality initiative gathers data to improve vascular care
More than 7,000 physicians from a wide variety of healthcare specialties are already participating in the project.
Post-TAVR bleeding in AFib patients much less common with apixaban than rivaroxaban
When it came to all-cause mortality and ischemic stroke, however, the two popular DOACs were associated with comparable outcomes.
Medline recalls millions of devices due to safety risk—FDA threatens ‘regulatory action’ in warning letter
Millions of angiographic syringes were recalled due to a risk of parts becoming loose or disconnected. The FDA, unhappy with Medline's response to this situation, sent the company a new warning letter.
FDA clears way for IDE pivotal trial of the Topaz tricuspid valve replacement system
The TRiCares Topaz uses a unique two-stent frame valve prosthesis for better sealing and flexibility.

Radiation in the cath lab: Tracking state-level regulations for cardiologists

Researchers hope these policies can be standardized in the future to help avoid confusion and improve clinician safety.

Cusp overlap technique improves TAVR outcomes, new meta-analysis confirms

The new study, based on 14 different clinical trials, highlights why so many care teams have already adopted the cusp overlap technique when implanting self-expanding TAVR valves.

leg veins chronic venous disease PAD peripheral artery disease

New guidelines help interventional cardiologists manage chronic venous disease

"These recommendations will help ensure that patient care remains both consistent and personalized," SCAI President Srihari S. Naidu, MD, explained.

At a crossroads: Surgical heart valve innovation slows as transcatheter treatments keep evolving

Has the success of TAVR and other interventional techniques had a negative impact on surgical valve innovation? Two surgeons shared their concerns in a new commentary.

Boston Scientific's Sentinel Cerebral Protection System during a TAVR procedure

Effective, but not worth the cost: CEPD use during TAVR fails to make a significant difference

Cerebral embolic protection devices are proven to work. However, according to one cardiologist, they are still not consistently reducing stroke rates.

Semaglutide, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 drugs appear to provide significant value for patients with moderate PAD.

The Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system for tricuspid regurgitation from Edwards Lifesciences

TTVR with Evoque system linked to positive real-world outcomes after 30 days

According to early real-world data, the FDA-approved Evoque TTVR device is associated with positive outcomes when used to treat severe tricuspid regurgitation.

EnCompass F2 device from Nevada-based EnCompass Technologies

A closer look at world’s first TAVR patient treated with new cerebral embolic protection device

The device covers three vessels at once and can be deployed through the patient's TAVR access site. Researchers shared their first-in-human experience in JACC: Case Reports.

Interventional Cardiology

PVL after TTVR linked to much lower survival rate, fewer clinical benefits

SVS quality initiative gathers data to improve vascular care

Post-TAVR bleeding in AFib patients much less common with apixaban than rivaroxaban

Medline recalls millions of devices due to safety risk—FDA threatens ‘regulatory action’ in warning letter

FDA clears way for IDE pivotal trial of the Topaz tricuspid valve replacement system