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.

FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls
The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible.
‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use
U.S. physicians often receive payments from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. New research in JAMA found a connection between receiving such payments and using specific devices—should the industry be concerned?
Cardiology groups share key update: ABMS seeking feedback on proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine
Five of the largest U.S. medical societies focused on cardiovascular health are one step closer to seeing their paradigm-shifting proposal become a reality.
Cardiologists, thoracic surgeons applaud FTC’s ban of most noncompete clauses
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons have both shared statements in support of the ban, which is already being challenged in court. The American Hospital Association, meanwhile, opposes the policy shift, saying it “errs by seeking to create a one-size-fits-all rule”
Q&A: Cleveland Clinic’s Lars Svensson previews AATS annual meeting
Svensson, a prominent voice in cardiothoracic surgery, said he has seen a rise in enthusiasm ahead of this year's meeting.

An interactive diagram for the carotids and arteries of the brain for interventional reporting shown by Fujifilm at HIMSS 2023. Photo by Dave Fornell

CMS changes coverage policy for carotid stenting to make it more widely available

A group of interventional cardiologists, neurologists and vascular surgeons successfully petitioned Medicare to change its coverage determination for carotid stenting procedures.

October 18, 2023

Smartphone mHealth. Updated Twitter policies have helped online pranksters cause mischief in recent days, including one specific user who impersonated Eli Lilly and Company and posted that insulin was now free. Lilly CEO has now commented on the fake tweet read 'round the world—and what it could mean for the company going forward.

Does X still mark the spot for cardiologists? The risks and benefits of using Twitter in 2023 and beyond

Should interventional cardiologists be using X, the website formerly known as Twitter? A team of specialists explored that very question, sharing its assessment in JSCAI.

October 12, 2023

Cardiologist compensation much higher at hospitals and health systems than private practices—and the gap is widening

A new 57-page report from MedAxiom explored the latest data on compensation, production, staffing and medical imaging offerings among cardiology programs in the United States.

October 3, 2023

Illustration of cardiologists going through the certification process. American College of Cardiology President B. Hadley Wilson, MD, discussed why the ACC and other leading cardiology groups are so eager to create a new, independent medical board. This has been a long-term goal for many years, he said, and now it may become a reality.

Q&A: A closer look at the push in cardiology for a new, independent American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine

American College of Cardiology President B. Hadley Wilson, MD, discussed why the ACC and other leading cardiology groups are so eager to create a new, independent medical board. This has been a long-term goal for many years, he said, and now it may become a reality.

September 22, 2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Recor Medical’s Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation (RDN) system for uncontrolled hypertension. The Recor system gained FDA clearance in November 2023.

FDA panel votes in favor of Recor Medical renal denervation system

A few members of the panel did question the device's efficacy and long-term durability. The FDA will now use these findings to make its final decision related to the system's approval.

August 23, 2023

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has issued a new statement urging the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to rethink its maintenance of certification (MOC) policies. The organization, home to more than 4,500 interventional cardiologists, says some of its members have seen their privileges “threatened and even revoked” despite passing the necessary exams and reporting procedural volumes as required. Stamp | Certification

Interventional cardiologists call out ABIM for ‘unfair and unjustified’ certification policies

“This situation unacceptably exacerbates the interventional cardiology workforce shortage and threatens to directly impact the care of patients," SCAI wrote in a new statement.

August 11, 2023

Mayo Clinic was listed the No. 3 top cardiovascular hospital in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

The 25 best U.S. cardiology hospitals ranked

U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings of heart hospitals named Cleveland Clinic No. 1, once again, but there were many changes among the other top 25 hospitals.

August 2, 2023

Medtronic has received FDA approval for its IN.PACT 018 Paclitaxel-Coated Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) Balloon Catheter. FDA clears new drug eluting balloon, drug-coated balloon.

FDA says treating PAD with paclitaxel-coated devices does not increase mortality risk

After warning healthcare providers about a heightened risk of mortality back in 2019, the FDA has now updated its stance on the use of these devices.

July 11, 2023

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

FDA announces new recall of delivery catheters after patient’s death

The recall includes specific lots of five different medical devices used to treat stroke and other neurovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls

The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible.

Cardiovascular Business

The push for an independent cardiology board continues

Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, one of the leading voices behind efforts to create a new Board of Cardiovascular Medicine, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about where things stand today.