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.

Shockwave Medical's intravascular lithotripsy used during transvenous lead extraction

Intravascular lithotripsy helps address the challenges of transvenous lead extraction

Dense calcifications have long been viewed as one of the most challenging aspects of TLE procedures. IVL may offer specialists a new way to address that issue. 

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FDA announces recall of more than 250,000 interventional devices due to risk of catheter separation

The FDA has said this is a Class I recall, which means using the devices “may cause serious injuries or death.” A total of 18 injuries have been reported so far. 

elderly patient using virtual reality TAVR transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Virtual reality during TAVR: Distracting patients linked to key benefits

When patients wear VR glasses during transcatheter aortic valve replacement, they say it helps time go by more quickly and reduces anxiety.

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How to encourage shared decision-making when treating aortic stenosis

Diagnosing, treating and managing aortic stenosis is often a challenging task, especially when the patient has a long life expectancy. Shared decision-making can make a significant impact, helping ensure the patient's values and preferences are taken into consideration. 

The ReCor (left) and Medtronic Symplicity Spyral renal denervation systems.

FDA panel to review renal denervation system PMA submissions

The FDA Circulatory System Devices Panel is set to review the PMA submissions for the ReCor and Medtronic renal denervation systems to treat patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

The Surdonics SurVeil drug-coated balloon to treat peripheral artery disease.

FDA approves next-gen DCB, earning the manufacturer a $27M payment from Abbott

The new-look DCB was designed to provide care with a significantly lower drug load than similar devices. 

A TAVR procedure being performed at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. These structural heart procedures require a team approach.

Heart damage after TAVR: Follow-up imaging helps cardiologists anticipate problems

While cardiac damage reverses in many patients following treatment, it can actually continue to get worse in others. 

TricValve Transcatheter Bicaval Valves System and HeartMate II LVAD

Cardiologists shed new light on treating severe tricuspid regurgitation in high-risk heart failure patients

The 80-year-old patient was experiencing severe TR and already had a HeartMate II LVAD.