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.

cardiologist viewing heart data

TAVR and SAVR linked to comparable long-term outcomes, new meta-analysis confirms

Researchers combined data from three well-known clinical trials—NOTION, Evolut Low Risk and PARTNER 3—and evaluated thousands of low-risk patients who presented with severe aortic stenosis. 

Treating atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) with surgery may be more beneficial than medical therapy alone, according to new data published in JAMA Network Open.[1]

Atrial functional mitral regurgitation: Surgery improves outcomes more than medical therapy alone

"These findings underscore the importance of understanding AFMR and its treatment options," one cardiologist said.

Interventional cardiologists in Canada have performed the world’s first implant of a new coronary sinus reducer designed to treat chest pain patients who see no benefits from other available interventional or surgical treatments. The A-Flux Reducer System was designed and developed by VahatiCor, a new medical device company associated with California-based T45 Labs.

Cardiologists detail world’s first implant of new device for ‘no-option’ chest pain patients

The A-Flux Reducer System by VahatiCor was designed to “conform seamlessly” to any patient’s anatomy, and it can be repositioned or retrieved as necessary.

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 to acquire heart failure specialists V-Wave for up to $1.7B

V-Wave has gained considerable attention for its Ventura Interatrial Shunt System, a small implantable device designed to reduce pressure on the left atrium and lungs of HFrEF patients.

healthcare business deal

Edwards continues valve-focused M&A streak by acquiring promising TAVR startup

The move makes it crystal clear that Edwards remains focused on pursuing advanced TAVR technologies. The company just acquired JenaValve, another company dedicated to developing new AR treatments, back in July.

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Reduce, reuse, recycle: How cath labs can lower cardiology’s colossal carbon footprint

Cath labs, like radiology suites and operating rooms, are leading contributors to the world’s growing carbon footprint.

female cardiologist

Women in interventional cardiology much more likely to leave practice than men

Why are so many female interventional cardiologists saying goodbye to the specialty? Researchers explored this troubling trend in JAMA Cardiology.

Images coronary calcium imaging by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-definition intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

OCT-guided PCI improves survival after life-threatening heart attacks

Researchers explored data from nearly 4,000 STEMI patients, noting that optical coherence tomography may be a valuable first step of any treatment strategy.