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.

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement
Edwards Lifesciences sent a formal request to CMS in February after its Evoque TTVR device gained FDA approval. The agency is now accepting public comments for 30 days.
Hydra TAVR valve gains key approval as global reach continues to grow
The self-expanding device is now available in more than 20 countries and received CE mark approval back in 2020. However, it has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States.
SAVR outperforms TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valves
BAV patients are often excluded from TAVR trials, creating uncertainty about the best way to treat that population when aortic valve replacement is required. To learn more, researchers tracked CMS data from 2018 to 2022, presenting their findings in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Intravascular lithotripsy technology now a top priority for many healthcare companies
After the significant success of Shockwave Medical's IVL therapy to break up heavily calcified vessels without trauma, there are now several companies working on their own IVL devices.
SCAI president reviews achievements in interventional cardiology in 2024
SCAI President James Hermiller, MD, recently outlined the key achievements for 2024, including creation of the first interventional cardiology match program, successful advocacy and efforts to increase women in the field.

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

TAVR and PAD: What cardiologists need to know

TAVR patients presenting with peripheral artery disease face significantly higher in-hospital risks, according to a new study published in Current Problems in Cardiology.

February 6, 2023

Coronary IVL now recommended at all cath labs, even those without surgical backup

The latest SCAI guidance on the safety of PCI procedures included a key change that could expand coronary IVL utilization throughout the United States.

February 1, 2023

Why are post-TAVR stroke rates higher at comprehensive stroke centers?

One of the more likely reasons is simple: specialty centers have better tools for identifying signs of stroke.

February 1, 2023

CardiacSense, an Israel-based healthcare technology company, gained FDA clearance for its CSF-3 medical watch

Regulatory Roundup: FDA clears new medical watch, considers empagliflozin for CKD and much more

Our monthly review of FDA-related news items in the world of cardiology includes updates from CardiacSense, MedAlliance, Lupin, Realize Medical and Eli Lilly and Company.

January 31, 2023

Interventional cardiologists can safely perform PCI without on-site surgical backup

The finding comes from a new expert consensus statement published by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. Several industry societies, including the ACC and AHA, have endorsed the document.

January 30, 2023

FDA issues new recall for circulatory support system after software update

The device was first recalled in 2022, but a new software update has now been released that addresses the issue. The FDA wanted a new recall to be issued to ensure all customers went through with the update.

January 30, 2023

A study that analyzed patient outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in veterans showed outcomes for on-pump and off-pump procedures over 10 years to be similar. Photo by Jim Lennon

CABG bests PCI for multivessel CAD, large new study confirms

"The singular message to the public is that the optimal treatment for multivessel coronary artery disease—to improve not only long-term survival but also lower your risk of complications—is coronary artery bypass surgery," one specialist said in a statement.

January 20, 2023

EHR intervention targets acute kidney injuries after PCI

Contrast-associated acute kidney injury is a significant problem in cardiology, especially among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Can EHR-generated alerts make an impact?

January 18, 2023

Interventional Cardiology

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement

Hydra TAVR valve gains key approval as global reach continues to grow

SAVR outperforms TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valves

Intravascular lithotripsy technology now a top priority for many healthcare companies

SCAI president reviews achievements in interventional cardiology in 2024