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.
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.
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’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.

cardiologist preparing to perform radiofrequency ablation

Colchicine after AFib ablation fails to reduce risk of arrhythmia recurrence

However, the popular anti-inflammatory drug was linked to at least one other clinical benefit cardiologists should know about.

Regularly eating avocados is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Fasting before cardiac catheterization may not be necessary—recommend a heart-healthy diet instead

“Patients can safely continue oral intake until the time of the procedure, improving their satisfaction and comfort without adverse events,” researchers wrote.

Example of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) shown as part of the multimodality imaging capability on the Fujifilm CVIS.

Cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons push for increased adoption of IVUS during peripheral vascular interventions

Increasing the use of intravascular ultrasound when performing lower-extremity revascularization procedures could limit complications and improve patient outcomes, according to new recommendations from several medical societies.

Fraud charges against cardiologist dismissed after 8-year legal battle

The veteran interventional cardiologist was initially sentenced to five years in prison for healthcare fraud. After multiple appeals and some significant updates, however, he was granted a new trial.

Video of Yousif Ahmad, MD, Yale, discussing IVL advances and increased reinbursements

Tracking key advances in intravascular lithotripsy

Yousif Ahmad, MD, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about the latest advances in IVL therapy, including new reimbursement changes for the technology.

Himanshu Gupta, MD, explains use of FFR-CT in daily practice at Valley Health System, New Jersey at SCCT 2023. #FFRCT #Heartflow #SCCT #SCCT23 #SCCT2023

The benefits of implementing FFR-CT in clinical practice

Himanshu Gupta, MD, says the implementation of FFR-CT at his facility has provided significant value. He and his colleagues are even working to explore additional ways the technology can help them improve patient care.

New drugs, updated treatment strategies: 5 important trends in cardiology from an eventful 2023

Revisit some of the year's biggest trends in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Ziad Ali, MD, explaines the impact of coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) use in nodular and eccentric calcium morphologies at TCT 2023. IVL was found to produce better outcomes than atherectomy or high pressure balloons. #TCT #TCT2023 #TCT23 #IVL

IVL is safe and effective across all calcium morphologies, new research confirms

Ziad Ali, MD, detailed two studies he presented on coronary intravascular lithotripsy at TCT 2023 in San Francisco.

Interventional Cardiology

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

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

Mechanical thrombectomy beats anticoagulation alone in STORM-PE

FDA panel to review first heart failure device of its kind

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