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.

ASE leading push to revise CPT code for interventional echocardiography

The pressure is on for ASE and other societies to create a new CPT code for the use of interventional echocardiography during structural heart procedures.

heart data AI algorithm cardiologist doctor

Medtronic announces new AI partnership focused on improving TAVR care

Participating TAVR programs will receive AI-powered recommendations courtesy of DASI Simulations.

Johnson & Johnson MedTech Automated Impella Controller

FDA confirms Class I recall for Johnson & Johnson devices due to durability concerns

The issue, first reported in September, was linked to five patient injuries. Devices not being actively used should be returned to Johnson & Johnson MedTech for updates.

heart drugs with stethoscope

SGLT2 inhibitors after TAVR may boost survival, limit bioprosthetic valve dysfunction

Prescribing these drugs to TAVR patients could improve certain clinical outcomes, according to a new study of nearly 27,000 adults. 

James Muller, MD, explains advances in vulnerable plaque imaging aim to predict and prevent heart attacks.

Advances in imaging could help predict, prevent heart attacks

Imagers can now identify vulnerable plaques that were once very challenging to find. The next steps include improving the screening process and determining which lesions need to be treated right away.

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare

Performing PCI and TAVR together may improve in-hospital outcomes, long-term survival

When patients require PCI and TAVR, performing them at the same time is associated with both short- and long-term benefits. 

Cardiologists perform first TTVR of its kind on recent heart transplant recipient

When a 50-year-old patient developed severe TR just months after receiving a heart transplant, the safest treatment option was to implant an Evoque TTVR device. 

Endurant stent graft system labeling

FDA approves key update for Medtronic’s Endurant stent graft system

Going forward, Medtronic can include clinical evidence related to the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms in the device's labeling. This is the first time an EVAR system has received such an approval.