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.

Stretching may help reduce painful orthopedic issues among echo and interventional lab staff

Orthopedic issues are the biggest work-related injury in cardiology, but this low cost intervention may help.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers embrace precision medicine in a way that ensures more heart patients are receiving personalized care.

AI uses imaging results to ID high-risk TAVR patients with speed, accuracy

Researchers developed an advanced AI model capable of extracting measurements from unprocessed CT images in seconds. It then uses those data to evaluate the patient's mortality risk if they underwent TAVR.

fasting before tavr or ablation

Fasting before coronary angiography, PCI may not be necessary

Relaxing fasting restrictions before interventional coronary procedures improves patient comfort—and there does not appear to be much of a downside. 

AI-based CAD assessments dramatically improve vascular surgery outcomes

PAD patients evaluated with HeartFlow's noninvasive FFRCT Analysis technology prior to surgery experienced much better outcomes, including a 63% lower risk of all-cause mortality after five years. 

the words "FDA recall" on a board

Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths

There have been a total of 11 incidents so far, including seven injuries and two deaths. Boston Scientific said the agent can still be used if operators follow specific instructions during lower GI bleed embolization procedures.  

commercial health insurance

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. 

Kumar Madassery, MD, director of peripheral vascular intervention and critical limb ischemia (CLI) program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, explains techniques and tools used to restore blood flow to the foot to help foot wounds heal and prevent amputation. He is part of a campaign to raise awareness through the PAD Pulse Alliance.

Interventional techniques can help limit amputations among CLI patients

Kumar Madassery, MD, detailed some of the techniques and tools used to restore blood flow to the foot to help foot wounds heal and prevent amputation.

On the frontline of the epidemic of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and related 400 leg amputations per day in the U.S., Kumar Madassery, MD, director of peripheral vascular intervention and critical limb ischemia (CLI) program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, explains there is a glaring health inequities in rural and low income areas of the country.

Peripheral artery disease is out of control in many rural, low income communities

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) leads to more than 400 leg amputations per day in the U.S. Kumar Madassery, MD, discussed the importance of increasing awareness and reaching patients before it is too late. 

Around the web

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care. 

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.
 

The two companies aim to improve patient access to high-quality MRI scans by combining their artificial intelligence capabilities.