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.

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Stroke risk after TAVR still higher for woman as ‘sex paradox’ lives on

By tracking sex-related differences after TAVR, researchers hope to refine patient selection strategies and optimize care for both men and women.

Example of spectral, or dual-energy CT, confirming a pulmonary embolism (PE). Image courtesy of Philips Healthcare

New initiative to fund pulmonary embolism research

Grants from $50,000 to $750,000 will be awarded to pay for physician-led studies focused on PE care.

Andres Cordova, MD, cardiology fellow, University of Vermont Medical Center, explains a study of registry and outcomes data on the use of Impella hemodynamic support in elderly STEMI patients with cardiogenic shock.

Impella use fails to improve mortality in elderly patients

The Impella CP heart pump is being used more and more to treat cardiogenic shock, and the benefits are clear. For many older patients, however, the technology seem to fall short. 

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TAVR valve for AR , a recent Edwards acquisition, delivers long-term value

The J-Valve System is associated with positive 10-year outcomes for patients with severe AR, according to new research out of China. It also performs well in patients with severe AS.

Cardiologists urge Congress to pass new bills focused on PAD, Medicare coverage

SCAI has shared a new call to action as an observance of American Heart Month. The group is asking Congress to pass new pieces of legislation that could improve care for PAD patients and get important medical devices in the hands of interventional cardiologists.

New meta-analysis explores potential of endovascular treatments for long femoropopliteal lesions

Open surgical bypass is the gold standard, but endovascular therapies may provide value for high-risk patients with long femoropopliteal lesions.

Transcatheter treatment of tricuspid valve disease has rapidly evolved over the past two years, giving physicians new tools to address a condition long considered under treated due to limited procedural options and complex anatomy. Ryan K. Kaple, MD, FACC, FSCAI, director of the structural and congenital heart program at Hackensack University Medical Center, spoke top Cardiovascular Business about recent advances and his center's real-world experience.

Key trends in transcatheter tricuspid valve repair and replacement

The interventional treatment of tricuspid valve disease has evolved in recent years thanks to new research and critical FDA approvals. Cardiologist Ryan Kaple, MD, reviewed this trend for a new video interview.

Interventional cardiologists take on angiography-derived physiology in new expert opinion

ADP offers care teams multiple benefits not seen with traditional wire-based physiologic assessments. A roundtable of 17 expert clinicians discussed the topic at length, and their findings were used to develop a new manuscript published in JSCAI.