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.

SGLT2 inhibitors after TAVR may boost survival, limit bioprosthetic valve dysfunction

Prescribing these drugs to TAVR patients could improve certain clinical outcomes, according to a new study of nearly 27,000 adults.

James Muller, MD, explains advances in vulnerable plaque imaging aim to predict and prevent heart attacks.

Advances in imaging could help predict, prevent heart attacks

Imagers can now identify vulnerable plaques that were once very challenging to find. The next steps include improving the screening process and determining which lesions need to be treated right away.

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare

Performing PCI and TAVR together may improve in-hospital outcomes, long-term survival

When patients require PCI and TAVR, performing them at the same time is associated with both short- and long-term benefits.

Cardiologists perform first TTVR of its kind on recent heart transplant recipient

When a 50-year-old patient developed severe TR just months after receiving a heart transplant, the safest treatment option was to implant an Evoque TTVR device.

FDA approves key update for Medtronic’s Endurant stent graft system

Going forward, Medtronic can include clinical evidence related to the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms in the device's labeling. This is the first time an EVAR system has received such an approval.

Contego Medical, a North Carolina-based medical device company, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its new all-in-one carotid stenting offering, the Neuroguard IEP System

Medtronic launches full distribution of new 3-in-1 carotid stent

The device, manufactured by Contego Medical, was designed with rising procedure volumes and stroke risks in mind.

‘Every second counts’: New Viz.ai platform brings the entire heart attack team together

The new platform provides users with real-time access to high-quality electrocardiograms and patient data. The goal is to ensure everyone is on the same page at all times, with no unnecessary delays.

SCAI highlights the benefits of ICE-guided structural heart interventions

ICE is gaining momentum as a helpful imaging option during structural heart interventions, according to a new SCAI position statement. TEE and TTE remain incredibly important, but there are times when ICE can provide the guidance necessary.

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