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.

The business of cardiology is changing—and cath labs are working to keep up
Financial literacy is no longer optional for physicians. “If you're not financially viable, you can't function,” explained Nirat Beohar, MD. “The business education is probably just as important as learning a new procedure.”
TAVR, other interventional procedures may provide value for patients with carcinoid heart disease
These patients are typically treated with surgery, but those procedures carry their own risks that clinicians would prefer to avoid.
Cardiovascular health societies share new performance and quality measures for PAD management
The ACC and AHA have published updated performance and quality measures focused on the diagnosis and management of peripheral artery disease. Several other specialty societies, including SCAI and SIR, also participated in the development of this new document.
Cardiologists perform first procedure of its kind to prevent coronary obstruction after TAVR
A vulnerable heart patient required TAVR, but he faced an extremely high risk of coronary obstruction. Leaflet modification and snorkel stenting were not possible, so the group turned to a brand new treatment option: the VECTOR procedure.
Cardiology pioneer Thomas Fogarty dies as 91
Fogarty created many inventions that fundamentally changed cardiac surgical practice. He also received the Presidential Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Barack Obama in 2014.

Cardiologists have performed what they believe to be the world’s first substernal lead extraction, sharing their experience in JACC: Case Reports.[1]The device being extracted, Medtronic’s Aurora EV-ICD, received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in October 2023.

Cardiologists perform world’s first substernal lead extraction

The 49-year-old patient was not in pain or suffering any complications, but he wished to have his extravascular ICD removed once his symptoms improved. The care team agreed to extract it after a long discussion, and they said it was "easier than expected."

Predicting vascular complications during TAVR just got a little easier

A new risk score shows potential to help cardiologists predict the risk of some TAVR complications before they happen, guiding important treatment decisions.

Interventional cardiology procedure in a cath lab at Beaumont Hospital.

SCAI shares STEMI recommendations for cardiologists and cath labs

“This document represents a collective effort to refine and advance the standards of care in STEMI management," according to one cardiologist behind the project.

$V-Wave has gained considerable attention or its Ventura Interatrial Shunt System, a small implantable device designed to reduce pressure on the left atrium and the lungs in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The Ventura device includes a nitinol hourglass-shaped frame that anchors to the patient’s fossa ovalis in a way that prevents migration or embolization. It is implanted via an interventional procedure with fluoroscopy and echocardiography guidance.$

Johnson & Johnson completes V-Wave acquisition

While the initial purchase price was $600 million, the final amount could reach approximately $1.7 billion if certain milestones are met. V-Wave's VenturaInteratrial Shunt System for HFrEF has gained considerable interest in recent years, and Johnson & Johnson was an early investor in the technology back in 2016.

An FDA panel will discuss its recommendations related to Abbott's TriClip G4 transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for tricuspid regurgitation.

CMS considers Medicare coverage options for tricuspid valve repair at Abbott’s request

CMS is now accepting public comments on this topic until Nov. 2. A final decision is expected by July 2025.

Monitoring acute heart patients at home linked to considerable cost savings

The new report could go on to help guide decisions made by CMS and hospital leadership teams for years to come.

Low doses of radiation still increase risk of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma

A new study found cumulative radiation exposure of 16 mSv to red bone marrow can cause an increased rate of some hematological malignancies.

U.S. News & World Report children’s hospitals cardiology heart surgery

SCAI urges lawmakers to improve cardiac care access for children

The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act would expand Medicaid access for pediatric patients so that it covers interventional cardiologists outside of their home states.

Interventional Cardiology

The business of cardiology is changing—and cath labs are working to keep up

TAVR, other interventional procedures may provide value for patients with carcinoid heart disease

Cardiovascular health societies share new performance and quality measures for PAD management

Cardiologists perform first procedure of its kind to prevent coronary obstruction after TAVR

Cardiology pioneer Thomas Fogarty dies as 91