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.

Herbert D. Aronow, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM, medical director, heart and vascular service line and the Benson Ford Chair in Cardiology at Henry Ford Health, member of board, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the explains how hospitals can set up renal denervation (RDN) programs and how the reimbursement landscape is changing with new Medicare coverage.

How to get reimbursed for renal denervation

Herbert D. Aronow, MD, reviewed the many ways the reimbursement landscape is changing thanks to new Medicare policies. “This is a really exciting time in the renal denervation space," he said.

cardiologists going through the certification process

CMS considers Medicare coverage for TAVR in asymptomatic patients

After an official request from Edwards Lifesciences, CMS is rethinking its coverage policy for the use of TAVR to treat asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. The agency is accepting public comments on this topic until Jan. 14.

Newest TAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences improves survival, real-world data confirm

A fifth-generation TAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences was associated with improved outcomes compared to the device's predecessors in a new real-world analysis out of Cedars Sinai.

The Medtronic Liberant thrombectomy system.

New Medtronic thrombectomy system used commercially for first time

The new device uses an advanced algorithm to regulate aspiration and conserve blood. Ajit Rao, MD, a vascular surgeon with The Mount Sinai Hospital, performed the historic procedure.

Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE

Massachusetts-based SpectraWAVE has gained considerable momentum in recent years, planting its flag in some of cardiology’s biggest trends. The company was co-founded by cardiologists and has already secured multiple FDA clearances.

Arnold Seto, MD, MPA, FACC, FSCAI, cath lab director, Long Beach VA Medical Center, professor of medicine at Charles Drew University, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) treasurer and chair of the SCAI Advocacy Committee, explains changes in payment policy are making ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) and office based labs (OBL) more attractive to both cardiologists and larger health systems.

More interventional procedures may be coming to an ambulatory surgical center near you

ASCs have their limitations, but they are also associated with several benefits for cardiologists and patients alike.

Vesalio enVast coronary mechanical thrombectomy system gained FDA in December 2025.

FDA clears new stent-based coronary thrombectomy system

The newly cleared system offers clinicians a new option for capturing and removing large coronary thrombi in patients undergoing primary PCI.

The use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still safe and effective when patients present with calcified nodules (CNs), according to new long-term data published in EuroIntervention.[1] Researchers compared outcomes from patients with and without CNs, highlighting key similarities in stent expansion and luminal gain.

Is IVL safe for patients with diabetes?

New two-year data confirm that the IVL technology developed by Shockwave Medical can be used to treat diabetic patients who require PCI.

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