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.

Resilia tissue developed by Edwards Lifesciences linked to long-term benefits
Researchers tracked nearly 1,000 SAVR patients, presenting eight-year data at the Heart Valve Society’s annual meeting in Cairo, Egypt.
FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns
A catheter sheath detached during use and was left in the patient’s body. It was successfully removed, but the FDA said it is now evaluating the potential risk to others going forward. There is no official recall at this time.
Cardiologist-founded startup announces FDA clearance, first uses of new TAVR pacing system
“The device takes variability out of the procedure by giving the operator full control while automating ramp-up and back-up algorithms," according to a clinician who used the new technology. "The TAVR procedure is simplified, reducing physician and staff workload."
Death after 1 year more common for real-world low-risk TAVR patients than those treated in clinical trials
Real-world patients were still associated with "excellent" outcomes, but it is important for cardiologists and patients alike to know as much as possible about the odds of survival following treatment.
FDA clears catheter-based 4D visualization platform for complex heart procedures
The new technology from LUMA Vision allows operators to deliver 2D and 4D ultrasound images in real time. The advanced catheter was built with maneuverability and increased visibility in mind.

FDA announces new recall of neurovascular catheters built by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary

The recall is due to ongoing concerns about the devices breaking. Three patients have been injured as a result of this issue.

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

FDA announces recall of more than 300,000 catheter kits after 10 injuries, 1 death

This recall is due to reports of “increased resistance” when using the devices. There have been 194 customer complaints about the issue so far.

Abbott has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system designed to treat tricuspid regurgitation (TR).

FDA approves Abbott’s TriClip TEER device for tricuspid regurgitation

Less than two months after an FDA advisory panel voted in favor of approval, the transcatheter edge-to-edge repair system can now be sold and marketed in the United States.

New risk score helps cardiologists predict when TAVR patients may require dialysis

Patients who need renal replacement therapy after TAVR are much less likely to survive. Researchers hope their new risk score can help care teams prepare ahead of time for this rare, but potentially fatal complication.

Medtronic has received FDA approval for its IN.PACT 018 Paclitaxel-Coated Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) Balloon Catheter

New study provides ‘substantial evidence’ paclitaxel-coated devices are safe when treating lower-limb PAD

Research published in 2018 caused many in the cardiology community to shy away from using these devices, and the FDA even issued warnings about their safety. However, new data suggest paclitaxel-coated balloons and stents are safe.

Heart attacks after TAVR: New AMI data ‘reassuring’ at first glance, but questions remain

Hoping to gain a better understanding of how TAVR may impact a patient’s long-term cardiovascular health, researchers explored data from more than 200,000 patients and shared their findings in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

artificial intelligence robot evaluates healthcare data

New data registry will track how AI-powered plaque assessments impact cardiologist decisions

HeartFlow hopes to gather real-world data from up to 10,000 patients with suspected CAD.

Interventional Cardiology

Resilia tissue developed by Edwards Lifesciences linked to long-term benefits

FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns

Cardiologist-founded startup announces FDA clearance, first uses of new TAVR pacing system

Death after 1 year more common for real-world low-risk TAVR patients than those treated in clinical trials

FDA clears catheter-based 4D visualization platform for complex heart procedures