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.

How to make a difference: A helpful guide for hospitals looking to improve their PCI program

What is the best way to determine—and improve—the quality of a PCI program?

May 11, 2020

Another way work-related stress can impact your cardiovascular health

Work-related stress is associated with an increased risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

April 28, 2020

PCI for small-vessel coronary disease: How should cardiologists proceed?

Newer-generation drug-eluting stents (n-DES) are a more effective option for the percutaneous treatment of small-vessel coronary disease (SVCD) than drug-coated balloons (DCBs), according to new findings published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

April 20, 2020

Women at greater risk of adverse outcomes following PCI

Women are at an increased risk of adverse events following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to new findings published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

April 9, 2020

How should physicians treat STEMI patients with COVID-19? A new study aims to find out

A new international research study will focus on treatment strategies and outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with known or suspected COVID-19.

April 8, 2020

Heart bypass patients experience improved outcomes when surgeons use radial artery

Heart bypass patients experience better outcomes when the surgeon uses a segment of the radial artery instead of one from the saphenous vein, according to a new analysis of more than 1,000 patients.

March 31, 2020

What the COVID-19 pandemic means for cath labs

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the practice of cardiology as we know it, leading to supplies shortages, delayed procedures, and an at-risk patient population fearful of the road ahead. How has the outbreak affected cath labs?

March 19, 2020

New Take on Transplant: Reconsidering Hepatitis C-infected Hearts for Donation

As many as 700 hearts from donors with hepatitis C are discarded each year in the U.S. New research suggests at least some of these organs may be suitable for transplant.

March 13, 2020

Interventional Cardiology

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement

Hydra TAVR valve gains key approval as global reach continues to grow

SAVR outperforms TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valves

Intravascular lithotripsy technology now a top priority for many healthcare companies

SCAI president reviews achievements in interventional cardiology in 2024