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.

Catheters recalled due to defect—FDA highlights risk of stroke or brain damage
The recall was put in place after a hydrophilic coating was discovered on the inside of the devices. According to the FDA, patients treated with the catheters could face a number of significant risks.
FDA clears TAVR guidewire built with BASILICA in mind
The Telltale system was designed to assist cardiologists when BASILICA is required prior to TAVR.
New technique could help when cardiologists repair 2 leaky heart valves at once
Performing M-TEER and T-TEER on the same patient using a single guide catheter appears to be both safe and effective. Researchers shared their experience with this approach in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.
‘Strongest growth in over a decade’: Heart tech helps Medtronic beat earnings expectations
The company's PFA and TAVR technologies both played key roles in the successful second quarter. In addition, Medtronic expects its place in the renal denervation market to make a major impact going forward.
Did Boston Scientific pull the plug too early on TAVR devices? Cardiologists weigh in
Boston Scientific stopped selling its Acurate TAVR systems after they underperformed in a few key trials and failed to gain FDA approval. Was it the right call?

New risk score helps cardiologists predict when TAVR patients may require dialysis

Patients who need renal replacement therapy after TAVR are much less likely to survive. Researchers hope their new risk score can help care teams prepare ahead of time for this rare, but potentially fatal complication.

Medtronic has received FDA approval for its IN.PACT 018 Paclitaxel-Coated Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) Balloon Catheter

New study provides ‘substantial evidence’ paclitaxel-coated devices are safe when treating lower-limb PAD

Research published in 2018 caused many in the cardiology community to shy away from using these devices, and the FDA even issued warnings about their safety. However, new data suggest paclitaxel-coated balloons and stents are safe.

Heart attacks after TAVR: New AMI data ‘reassuring’ at first glance, but questions remain

Hoping to gain a better understanding of how TAVR may impact a patient’s long-term cardiovascular health, researchers explored data from more than 200,000 patients and shared their findings in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

artificial intelligence robot evaluates healthcare data

New data registry will track how AI-powered plaque assessments impact cardiologist decisions

HeartFlow hopes to gather real-world data from up to 10,000 patients with suspected CAD.

Report: Johnson & Johnson once again considering deal to acquire Shockwave Medical

Healthcare giants Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic were all reportedly interested in acquiring Shockwave Medical in 2023. Now, new rumors suggest a deal could be finalized within weeks.

doctor comparing the costs of different medical treatments

TAVR is often more cost-effective than SAVR—but not always

Average lengths of stay and common complications are just some of the factors care teams should consider when evaluating the costs of aortic valve replacement.

Virtual reality (VR) can help cardiologists plan for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures and predict the presence and severity of post-TAVR paravalvular leak (PVL), according to new research published in the Journal of Invasive Cardiology.[1]

VR before TAVR predicts paravalvular leak in high-risk patients

Performing virtual reality simulations before TAVR may help cardiologists anticipate when PVL could be an issue in patients with severe BAV AS.

Biosense Webster gained CE mark approval for its Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system in Europe

Biosense Webster takes key step toward FDA approval for Varipulse PFA system

The company already received CE mark approval for its new PFA offering and hopes it will soon be approved for sale in the United States.

Interventional Cardiology

Catheters recalled due to defect—FDA highlights risk of stroke or brain damage

FDA clears TAVR guidewire built with BASILICA in mind

New technique could help when cardiologists repair 2 leaky heart valves at once

‘Strongest growth in over a decade’: Heart tech helps Medtronic beat earnings expectations

Did Boston Scientific pull the plug too early on TAVR devices? Cardiologists weigh in