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.

To eat or not to eat: Is fasting still necessary before heart procedures?

As one may expect, patient satisfaction was considerably higher for individuals who did not have to fast for a minimum of six hours prior to treatment. There were no other significant differences.

cardiologists evaluating the human heart to provide a treatment strategy

Stem cell patch shows potential to heal heart patients—no surgery or transplant required

The new patch is implanted through a tiny incision and held in place with a biocompatible adhesive. It then helps the heart recover over time, replacing dead tissue that would typically never be able to regenerate. 

Video Robert Lookstein on mechanical thrombectomy beating anticoagulation alone in pulmonary embolism in the late-breaking STORM-PE trial at TCT 2025.

Mechanical thrombectomy beats anticoagulation alone in STORM-PE

Highly anticipated trial data comparing mechanical thrombectomy to anticoagulation alone for intermediate- and high-risk pulmonary embolism showed that the more aggressive strategy improved outcomes.

FDA panel to review first heart failure device of its kind

The shunt device being reviewed showed a 52% reduction in hospitalizations and favorable trends in mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. 

Shockwave Medical Javelin Peripheral IVL Catheter

Shockwave Medical’s IVL catheter for peripheral lesions linked to positive 1-year data

The new findings, presented during a late-breaking presentation, focused on 110 PAD patients treated with Shockwave Medical's Javelin Peripheral IVL Catheter.

The Penumbra thrombectomy pulmonary embolism clots extraction catheter displayed at TCT 2025. Photo by Dave Fornell

Pulmonary embolism thrombectomy use increases by more than 700%

Medicare claims submitted between 2017 and 2022 showed a 712% increase in thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism (PE) and a 137% increase in thrombectomy for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Well-known cardiologist Peter A. Soukas, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM, FACP, has become chief medical officer of carotid stent maker InspireMD Inc.

Cardiologist Peter Soukas becomes chief medical officer of carotid stent company

The company said the move will help it prepare for what is expected to be a rapid expansion of carotid stenting.

A majority of medical devices involved in Class I recalls were never required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo premarket or postmarket clinical testing, according to new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.[1]

How to minimize bleeding risks after TAVR

Bleeding events remain a serious complication after TAVR. By identifying high-risk patients early and planning ahead, however, care teams can keep them to a minimum.