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.

Newly approved radiation protection system said to reduce exposure by 90%

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s latest radiological clearance should come as welcome news to radiologists and cardiologists who perform interventional procedures.

CCTA a helpful tool for interventional cardiologists planning coronary procedures

A new consensus statement from the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography emphasized the increasing importance of CCTA among interventional cardiologists. It is no longer seen as “a mere diagnostic tool," the group observed. 

Pre-procedure CT imaging benefits LAA occlusion in Henry Ford study

There is not agreement among the top structural heart experts if CT is required for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), but a Henry Ford Hospital study shows it can improve outcomes.

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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. 

Example of ultrasound-assisted laser arterial plaque removal, which might be developed into a new type of less traumatic atherectomy system.Image courtesy of Rohit Singh.

New atherosclerosis treatment uses ultrasound-assisted lasers to break down plaque

The new technique is still in the development stage, but early research suggests it could provide clinicians with a new treatment option for breaking down arterial plaque. 

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.

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.

Kirk Garratt, past SCAI president, explains the impact of the iodine contrast shortage on interventional cardiology and the cath lab. #SCAI

VIDEO: How the iodine contrast shortage is impacting interventional cath labs

Kirk Garratt, MD, medical director of the Center for Heart and Vascular Health, ChristianaCare, and a past president of SCAI, explains what this shortage means for interventional cardiologists.

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.