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.

Resilia tissue developed by Edwards Lifesciences linked to long-term benefits
Researchers tracked nearly 1,000 SAVR patients, presenting eight-year data at the Heart Valve Society’s annual meeting in Cairo, Egypt.
FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns
A catheter sheath detached during use and was left in the patient’s body. It was successfully removed, but the FDA said it is now evaluating the potential risk to others going forward. There is no official recall at this time.
Cardiologist-founded startup announces FDA clearance, first uses of new TAVR pacing system
“The device takes variability out of the procedure by giving the operator full control while automating ramp-up and back-up algorithms," according to a clinician who used the new technology. "The TAVR procedure is simplified, reducing physician and staff workload."
Death after 1 year more common for real-world low-risk TAVR patients than those treated in clinical trials
Real-world patients were still associated with "excellent" outcomes, but it is important for cardiologists and patients alike to know as much as possible about the odds of survival following treatment.
FDA clears catheter-based 4D visualization platform for complex heart procedures
The new technology from LUMA Vision allows operators to deliver 2D and 4D ultrasound images in real time. The advanced catheter was built with maneuverability and increased visibility in mind.

Cardiologists push back on FDA’s thyroid monitoring/contrast media proposal

According to a new SCAI statement, the FDA's recommendation would result in "far-reaching consequences" across multiple specialties.

Links to all the late-breaking structural heart studies at TVT 2022

Here are links to more information for all the late-breaking presentations at the 2022 Transcatheter Valve Therapies (TVT) Structural Heart Summit.

Concerns about overuse of stress testing after PCI may be unwarranted

The majority of patients undergoing stress tests have symptoms consistent with obstructive coronary artery disease.

What peridevice leaks after LAAO mean for patient health

The study's authors reviewed data from more than 50,000 patients, presenting their findings in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

Resheathing heart valves during TAVR does not increase risk of complications

Researchers tracked both short- and long-term outcomes, sharing their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

7 ways cath labs can work through the contrast media shortage without delays

When the ongoing contrast media shortage first started impacting health systems, one group in Ohio pledged not to delay a single procedure in its cath labs.

COPD patients benefit from TAVR—but there are some significant risks to consider

When discussing the possibility of TAVR for a patient with COPD, it is crucial to consider the severity of their symptoms.

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) is associated with “promising” short-term outcomes among patients with a history of cancer, according to new research published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

'Promising' new data on TMVr among cancer patients

The study's authors examined data from nearly 23,000 patients who underwent transcatheter mitral valve repair from 2014 to 2018.

Interventional Cardiology

Resilia tissue developed by Edwards Lifesciences linked to long-term benefits

FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns

Cardiologist-founded startup announces FDA clearance, first uses of new TAVR pacing system

Death after 1 year more common for real-world low-risk TAVR patients than those treated in clinical trials

FDA clears catheter-based 4D visualization platform for complex heart procedures