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.

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.
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.
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.

Medtronic launches FDA-cleared guidewire compatible with multiple TAVR systems

The guidewire was built specifically with Medtronic's own Evolut platform in mind. However, it is also compatible with all other commercially available TAVR systems.

Ancora Heart AccuCinch Ventricular Restoration System heart failure FDA

Transcatheter heart failure implant from Ancora Heart linked to positive 2-year data

The flexible device is attached to the inner wall of the left ventricle during a minimally invasive procedure. It was designed to reduce the size of the left ventricle over time.

New biodegradable PFO closure device shows early potential

Researchers tracked patients for two years, using echocardiography to confirm the devices had completely vanished. Additional studies will still be required.

New Heartflow tech delivers AI-powered PCI planning for cardiologists

PCI Navigator from Heartflow was designed to help cardiologists plan ahead for percutaneous coronary interventions before they even step foot into the cath lab. It assesses a patient’s CCTA results and creates a state-of-the-art 3D model.

PCI for eruptive calcified nodules: Drug-eluting stents, drug-coated balloons both linked to poor outcomes

In some cases, researchers noted, CABG may be a better treatment option. The group emphasized that alternative therapies are still needed to improve patient care.

ASE leading push to revise CPT code for interventional echocardiography

The pressure is on for ASE and other societies to create a new CPT code for the use of interventional echocardiography during structural heart procedures.

heart data AI algorithm cardiologist doctor

Medtronic announces new AI partnership focused on improving TAVR care

Participating TAVR programs will receive AI-powered recommendations courtesy of DASI Simulations.

Johnson & Johnson MedTech Automated Impella Controller

FDA confirms Class I recall for Johnson & Johnson devices due to durability concerns

The issue, first reported in September, was linked to five patient injuries. Devices not being actively used should be returned to Johnson & Johnson MedTech for updates.

Interventional Cardiology

Cardiology pioneer Thomas Fogarty dies as 91

TAVR remains a viable treatment strategy for cancer patients

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

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

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