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.

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement
Edwards Lifesciences sent a formal request to CMS in February after its Evoque TTVR device gained FDA approval. The agency is now accepting public comments for 30 days.
Hydra TAVR valve gains key approval as global reach continues to grow
The self-expanding device is now available in more than 20 countries and received CE mark approval back in 2020. However, it has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States.
SAVR outperforms TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valves
BAV patients are often excluded from TAVR trials, creating uncertainty about the best way to treat that population when aortic valve replacement is required. To learn more, researchers tracked CMS data from 2018 to 2022, presenting their findings in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Intravascular lithotripsy technology now a top priority for many healthcare companies
After the significant success of Shockwave Medical's IVL therapy to break up heavily calcified vessels without trauma, there are now several companies working on their own IVL devices.
SCAI president reviews achievements in interventional cardiology in 2024
SCAI President James Hermiller, MD, recently outlined the key achievements for 2024, including creation of the first interventional cardiology match program, successful advocacy and efforts to increase women in the field.

TCT 2021 now offering free virtual attendance

The three-day event is sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation.

October 26, 2021

TEER associated with ‘important and significant’ reductions in hospitalization rates

Considering the study's high-risk patient population, researchers were especially impressed by these one-year outcomes.

October 22, 2021

Cook Medical recalls transseptal needles due to safety concerns

Multiple customers have complained about finding rust on brand new products.

October 19, 2021

PAD patients more likely to die from COVID-19

The mortality rate for COVID-19 patients was nearly twice as high if they had a history of peripheral artery disease, researchers found.

October 18, 2021

Greater myocardial tissue damage seen in STEMI patients during COVID-19 pandemic

The ability for CVD patients to get urgent interventions was impacted indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 12, 2021

Women less likely to have valve replacement for infective endocarditis

“The salient finding is that female sex was associated with a decreased likelihood of undergoing overall cardiac valve replacement,” the researchers wrote.

October 11, 2021