Articles tagged with Angiography
The PACIFIC trial compared the accuracy of non-invasive imaging modalities, finding that positron emission tomography (PET) was significantly more accurate than single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). PET's diagnostic accuracy was 85% for diagnosing coronary ischemia, outpe...
The CONSERVE trial found that non-invasive computed tomography (CT) can safely reduce costs by guiding more selective use of invasive coronary angiography. The study associated lower rates of invasive procedures and cost savings in stable symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease.
A study found that cardiovascular magnetic resonance-guided care reduces unnecessary angiography in patients with suspected coronary heart disease, but was not significantly different from myocardial perfusion scintigraphy-guided care. The strategy did not affect major adverse cardiovascular event rates or disease detection rates.
The CE-MARC 2 trial found that cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) significantly reduced rates of unnecessary angiography compared to guideline-directed care. These findings suggest that functional imaging should be adopted on a wider basis, even in high-risk patient subgroups.
A study of TAVR patients using different anticoagulation medications found comparable survival and vascular complication rates between men and women. However, a trend was observed that women given bivalirudin experienced less mortality, warranting further investigation.
A study of over 23,000 patients found that women had a lower risk of comorbidities and experienced fewer vascular complications in-hospital after TAVR. Despite this, women's one-year survival rate was still higher than men's.
A new device called AVERT significantly reduced the volume of radiographic dye used in patients at risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) during coronary angiography and PCI, but did not reduce contrast-induced AKI. The study found a 15.5% relative reduction in CMV for all patients and a 22.8% reduction for PCI patients.
The SCAI 2016 Mullins Lecture by Andrew Redington discusses breakthrough advances in cath lab treatments for the failing subpulmonary right ventricle. The lecture highlights the tremendous opportunity for interventional cardiologists to develop new treatment options for their patients.
The SCAI 2016 Hildner Lecture explores how surgery and cardiology merged to form the catheterization laboratory, revolutionizing cardiac therapy. Dr. Forrester discusses the key individuals who drove this evolution, including Dwight Harken and F. Mason Sones Jr.
A team of cardiologists used a virtual reality device to guide the recanalization of a chronically blocked right coronary artery. The procedure was completed successfully with implantation of two drug-eluting stents, demonstrating potential for improved operator comfort and efficiency in interventional cardiology.
A head-to-head comparison study by Johns Hopkins researchers shows that non-invasive CT scans are better at spotting clogged heart vessels than stress tests. CT angiograms detected blockages in nine out of ten people, while stress tests picked up blockages in six out of ten.
The ESC guidelines now strongly recommend the radial approach over femoral access for coronary angiography and PCI in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The radial approach reduces vascular complications, major bleeding events, and all-cause mortality. Additionally, the guidelines suggest a tailored duration of dual antiplatelet t...
A new non-invasive OCT technology has been developed that can improve the clinical management of macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma, the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The technology allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, enabling more timely intervention to prevent irreversible loss of vision.
A study comparing CT angiography and functional stress tests found similar clinical outcomes and minimal cost differences over three years. The tests had the same rate of death, heart attacks, and hospitalizations, despite initial cost savings from CT angiography.
A study of 4,524 patients found that intravascular VCDs were more effective than manual compression in achieving hemostasis, with fewer device failures and shorter time to hemostasis. The results suggest that VCDs may be a safer alternative for closing artery access sites following coronary angiography.
A study of nearly 38,000 patients found that those diagnosed with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) had a significantly increased risk of heart attack or death one year after diagnosis. Patients with nonobstructive CAD had an associated risk of MI that was 2-to 4.5-fold greater than among those with no apparent CAD.
The ISAR-CLOSURE trial reported that vascular closure devices (VCD) are non-inferior to manual compression in patients undergoing transfemoral coronary angiography. VCDs were found to reduce time-to-hemostasis, but had a higher rate of repeat manual compressions.
A new study has found that non-obstructive coronary artery disease is associated with a 28-44% increased risk of major adverse cardiac events such as heart attacks or death. Patients with non-obstructive disease should consider preventive therapies like quitting smoking and taking preventative medications.
The ACCOAST trial data showed that pre-treatment with prasugrel in NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI was inferior to treatment after angiography, but the results did not change practitioners' current practice. The new session format aims to translate clinical trial science into daily practice.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that First Nations people are less likely to receive guideline-recommended coronary angiography after a heart attack. This disparity results in poorer long-term survival rates for this population, highlighting the need for improved access to cardiovascular care.
The Transcatheter Therapies for Mitral Regurgitation Societal Overview highlights critical components of successful treatments, including operator training, protocols for care, and assessment of outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of a high-volume center setting and careful data collection through registries.
The TRILOGY ACS trial found that patients who had an angiography followed by prasugrel had fewer heart attacks and strokes compared to those who had an angiography followed by clopidogrel. This benefit was not seen in patients who did not have angiography.
A study found that angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions were lower among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries compared to those covered by Medicare fee-for-service. There was also significant geographic variation in procedure rates between payment types.
A study comparing Medicare Advantage and fee-for-service beneficiaries found significantly lower rates of angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions among Medicare Advantage patients. The researchers also identified substantial geographic variation in procedure rates for both payment types.
Researchers found marked bilateral retinal vessel leakage in half of healthy volunteers exposed to high altitudes. The study suggests that retinal capillary leakage may be a key component of high-altitude retinopathy.
A study found that routinely measuring fractional flow reserve (FFR) during coronary angiography changes the management of one in four patients with stable angina, according to results from the RIPCORD trial. The use of FFR led to a change in the judgement of whether a coronary artery had a 'significant' lesion in 64 patients.
A large observational study questions whether bivalirudin is superior to heparin in the absence of GPIIb/IIIa blockade, showing similar 30-day mortality rates. The study found no evidence that treatment with bivalirudin improves outcome compared to heparin alone.
Researchers used a second-generation 320-detector row CT scanner to significantly reduce radiation exposure in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography. The new system achieved diagnostic-quality scans with low doses of radiation, reducing effective radiation dose by 72% compared to the first-generation unit.
The TRILOGY ACS trial found prasugrel did not reduce cardiovascular events among patients managed medically for acute coronary syndrome. However, it was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke, but higher rates of bleeding when compared to clopidogrel.
The study found that urgent coronary angiography and PCI improved hospital survival rates in patients with STEMI and NSTEMI. Successful treatment increased survival rates from 51% to 83% for STEMI and 55% to 81% for NSTEMI.
A new noninvasive diagnostic test using computed tomographic angiography and computational fluid dynamics has demonstrated improved accuracy for detecting ischemia in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease compared to CT angiography alone. The test, known as FFRCT, showed high sensitivity and negative predictive value...
A new study found that contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a highly effective method for monitoring patients after endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms. The technique offers real-time exploration without ionizing radiation or kidney damage, supporting its integration in EVAR follow-up.
A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that thrombus aspiration during PCI provides similar long-term outcomes to conventional stent use in STEMI patients. The analysis of the PASSION trial data reported no significant difference in major adverse cardiac events between the two groups.
A new study from UCLA shows that magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) are equivalent in delineating anatomy in living renal donors. The results could potentially reduce radiation exposure for patients, while consistently using MRA in renal donors warrants further investigation.
German researchers report success with TAVI in patients with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis. Surviving patients showed significant improvement in heart function and exercise capacity, despite high mortality rates within the first six months.
A new study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that middle-of-the-night PCIs do not adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of procedures performed the next day by the same operator. The researchers identified no significant difference in complication rates or outcomes between PCIs performed durin...
Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that significantly improves the detection of pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. The addition of two magnetic resonance imaging sequences to a common MR angiography technique boosts detection rates to 84%, reducing the need for ionizing radiation and contrast agents.
A new diagnostic test for coronary artery disease is associated with a higher rate of subsequent invasive cardiac procedures and higher health-care spending. The study found that patients who underwent coronary CT angiography were nearly twice as likely to have a subsequent cardiac catheterization as those who had a stress test.
A recent study found that using a lower dose of contrast media (60 milliliters) in 320 detector row CT scans resulted in sufficient enhancement in over 96% of coronary segments. Larger patients with higher body mass indexes showed improved results, supporting the use of this lower dose protocol.
A study published in Neurology has shown that spinal digital subtraction angiography is safe and effective, ruling out misdiagnosis of inflammation and transverse myelitis. The procedure, considered the gold standard for vascular disorders near the spine, was found to have no reported cases of stroke or kidney damage in 302 patients.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that new generation drug eluting stents reduced the risk of clinically meaningful restenosis by 38% and stent thrombosis by 50% compared to older generation stents. The study included data from over 90,000 patients and showed improved outcomes with thinner struts and more biocompatible polymers.
A new study found that some hospitals have high rates of finding CAD during cardiac catheterization, while others have low rates. Hospitals with lower rates were more likely to perform procedures on younger patients, women, and those with atypical symptoms.
A study found that newer cardiac CT scanners deliver significantly less radiation than previous technology, allowing for non-invasive imaging of coronary arteries in young patients. The researchers used a combination of medication and new scanner technology to obtain excellent images without sedation or anesthesia.
A study found that circulating levels of surfactant protein-D were associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease, independent of other risk factors. Blood levels of SP-D increase when the lungs are inflamed, such as in smokers or those with chronic lung conditions like COPD.
A Johns Hopkins study found that CT angiography in low-risk patients without symptoms leads to more aggressive care, including more drugs and tests, but no difference in heart attack or cardiac death rates. The test's benefits are unclear, and guidelines suggest it should not be used for screening in low-risk patients.
A recent meta-analysis suggests that elevated levels of cardiac troponin T or I following elective angioplasty are associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and long-term adverse events such as heart attack. Routine monitoring of these protein levels could improve long-term outcomes for patients.
Researchers found an 81% increase in PE incidence after CTPA introduction, with a decrease in mortality and case fatality rates. However, CTPA also led to a significant increase in presumed anticoagulation complications, highlighting the need for more precise diagnostic tools.
A study found that CTPA screening led to a 81% increase in PE diagnoses, but only a 3% decrease in mortality rates. The authors suggest overdiagnosis due to the detection of clinically insignificant small emboli.
Researchers found that hospitals with low AMI mortality rates shared an overall vision of excellence and had more senior management involvement, broad staff presence, and better communication among physicians. A new low-radiation alternative to CT angiography also shows promise in diagnosing coronary artery disease, with good specifici...
A new non-surgical post-mortem technique uses minimally invasive targeted coronary angiography to determine the cause of death in up to 80% of cases. The technique is inexpensive, easy to use, and applicable to natural and unnatural deaths, offering a potential permanent change in autopsy practice.
A systematic review found drug-eluting stents (DES) reduce restenosis and target revascularization in chronic total occlusions, offering a safe approach with similar adverse events as bare metal stents. DES implantation is associated with significant reductions in angiographic and clinical restenosis compared to bare metal stents.
Researchers found that African Americans have a higher prevalence of non-calcified plaque, which is more vulnerable to rupture and causing cardiovascular events. The study suggests that coronary CT angiography may be a more effective screening tool for this patient group.
A new study uses a combination of computed tomography (CT), postmortem CT angiography (CTA) and biopsy to determine the natural causes of death, with results showing near-identical findings in 18 out of 20 cases. The minimally invasive approach has improved accuracy and reduced the need for traditional autopsy.
A study has found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately assess the condition of certain stents used in children and young adults with congenital heart defects. Researchers discovered that specific MRI sequences can visualize the stents without radiation, making it a safer option for routine surveillance.
A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions confirms the safety and effectiveness of drug-eluting stents (DES) for long-term use. The use of DES reduces the occurrence of myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and mortality compared to bare-metal stents.
The BioSTAR device demonstrated comparable closure rates to the Amplatzer Septal Occluder in children with atrial septal defect, avoiding metal-related risks. The study found successful outcomes and benefits of using biodegradable implants, including reduced thrombogenicity and arrhythmogenicity.
A new procedure, transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation, offers hope for elderly patients with high surgical risk, reducing symptoms and complications. Two deaths occurred in high-risk patients, highlighting the need for adequate patient selection and interdisciplinary care.
Researchers found that risk assessment analysis can identify patients without PE, allowing for reduced radiation exposure and cost savings. The study's results suggest that thromboembolic risk factor assessment can be an effective method to determine when to perform CT angiography for PE.
A new study from NYU Langone Medical Center shows that carotid artery ultrasound is a valuable screening tool for diagnosing and excluding coronary artery disease. The non-invasive test can identify severe plaque buildup in the neck arteries, potentially avoiding the need for invasive angiography.
A retrospective study found that complete revascularization significantly improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), with a 3-year mortality rate of 6.6% compared to 14.8% in those with incomplete revascularization. The study also revealed that advanced medical therapy may contribute to improved mortality rates.