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, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy
SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.
Going green in the cath lab makes economic sense
New research explored the potential savings of turning off angiography systems at night and on weekends.
Cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons push for increased adoption of IVUS during peripheral vascular interventions
Increasing the use of intravascular ultrasound when performing lower-extremity revascularization procedures could limit complications and improve patient outcomes, according to new recommendations from several medical societies.
Cardiologists lead push for Aetna to reconsider ‘restrictive,’ ‘inconsistent’ reimbursement proposals
The policies cover a wide range of interventional therapies, including Shockwave Medical's IVL technology and intravascular ultrasound.
VIDEO: Shimadzu lowers dose and speeds workflow with new Trinias SCORE Opera angiography system
Shimadzu Medical Systems USA released the latest version of its Trinias angiography system at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2022 meeting to address radiation concerns and to help improve workflow.

A comparison between a traditional iodine contrast angiogram (left), and a gadolinium contrast angiogram (right). MRI gadolinium contrast is starting to be used in some interventional radiology procedures and is being considered in interventional cardiology due to the iodine contrast shortage.

Gadolinium can be used as substitute for iodine contrast in some interventional imaging procedures

Gadolinium might be an alternative, stop-gap solution for interventional procedures during the current iodine contrast shortage.

May 23, 2022

Alan Matsumoto explains gadolinium as substitute for iodine contrast during shortage

VIDEO: Gadolinium being substituted for iodine contrast in some procedures due to shortage

Alan H. Matsumoto, MD, chair of the department of radiology at the University of Virginia, vice chair of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Board of Chancellors, and chairman of the ACR Commission on Interventional and Cardiovascular Radiology, explains that the iodine contrast shortage has led to use of MRI gadolinium contrast agents in some cases.

May 20, 2022

Heartflow FFR-CT allows noninvasive assessment of a patient'c coronary arteries without the need for a diagnostic angiogram.

VIDEO: HeartFlow FFR-CT sees increased interest after inclusion in the 2021 Chest Pain Guidelines

HeartFlow’s non-invasive cardiac computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) technology enables FFR values for the entire coronary tree of a patient using just a CT scan. This can show the significance of any coronary plaque lesions and if a patient needs to be sent to the cath lab for revascularization, or if they can be treated medically.

April 28, 2022

Bill would bolster coverage of interventional radiology services to help Americans avoid amputations

Lawmakers recently introduced the Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act in the House, with bipartisan backing and support from the Society of Interventional Radiology.

April 21, 2021

Philips to acquire interventional device firm Intact Vascular for more than $275M

Around since 2011 and based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, the company specializes in treating peripheral artery disease.

August 27, 2020

Comic illustrations enhance informed consent before coronary angiography

A new pilot study out of Germany suggests a comic-style graphic supplement can improve the informed consent process before coronary angiography by putting patients at ease and helping them understand the procedure.

April 9, 2019

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

Cardiovascular Business

Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.