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.

Registry data point to ‘striking shift’ in treatment decisions after FDA approved low-risk TAVR
Many experts still recommend SAVR over TAVR for patients younger than 65 years old with severe aortic stenosis. However, transcatheter treatments are growing more and more popular when these younger patients require a valve replacement.
Death after PCI seen in just 0.5% of patients—heart attack, cardiac arrest most common causes
The new analysis included data from more than 22,000 PCI patients treated at one of two high-volume U.S. facilities. Infection was the most common noncardiac cause of death.
Gore completes acquisition of medtech company behind next-gen heart device
Gore has officially acquired Conformal Medical, the company known for an investigational LAAO device that uses a proprietary foam implant. The transaction was first announced in January.
Medtronic’s RDN system receives new reimbursement approval
More than 40 million adults now have improved access to Medtronic's Symplicity Spyral renal denervation technology.
Cardiologist develops new heart device that uses gel to reduce stroke risk in AFib patients
After years of implanting and studying LAAO devices, an interventional cardiologist with the University of Chicago has designed a new alternative that could reduce the risk of bleeding and save health systems money.

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.

leg veins chronic venous disease PAD peripheral artery disease

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.

Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

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.

Cardiac surgeon and innovator Thomas Fogerty, MD, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Technology.

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.

TAVR remains a viable treatment strategy for cancer patients

Improvements in care have resulted in a growing number of patients who go on to be diagnosed with both cancer and severe aortic stenosis. TAVR appears to be an effective treatment option for those individuals, and it may help them go on to receive life-saving cancer therapies.

Nick West, MD, chief medical officer, Shockwave Medical, Johnson and Johnson Meditech, explains how the company is innovating intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) therapy devices and building clinical evidence from trials for its use in a variety of calcified lesions. There are several companies developing IVL therapy, but West says Shockwave will remain the market leader because of its nearly decade long head start in the market, strong clinical evidence and has about a 10% market penetration. #IVKL

Why Shockwave Medical is so excited about the future of intravascular lithotripsy

Nick West, MD, Shockwave Medical's chief medical officer, detailed how the company is continuing to push IVL technologies forward. "We are leading the space ... we have no intention of giving up that position," he said.

FDA confirms new recall after catheter sheath was left in patient’s body

This is a Class I recall, which means the FDA believes these devices could cause a serious injury or death.

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

W. L. Gore & Associates to acquire medtech company behind foam-based LAAO system

Conformal Medical developed its CLAAS technology to help patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation reduce their risk of stroke without the use of anticoagulants. Back in August, the company raised $32 million to help ramp up research on the device.

Interventional Cardiology

Registry data point to ‘striking shift’ in treatment decisions after FDA approved low-risk TAVR

Death after PCI seen in just 0.5% of patients—heart attack, cardiac arrest most common causes

Gore completes acquisition of medtech company behind next-gen heart device

Medtronic’s RDN system receives new reimbursement approval

Cardiologist develops new heart device that uses gel to reduce stroke risk in AFib patients