A new study by the University of Southampton has found that reusable catheters are just as safe for patients as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The study followed hundreds of patients for a year and discovered that those who tested reusable catheters used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics.
A recent study found that standard therapy plus catheter ablation did not significantly reduce the risk of primary composite end point in patients with atrial fibrillation and a recent stroke history. The observed event rate was lower than anticipated, suggesting underpowered detection of clinically meaningful differences.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria swim upstream to cause infections, pointing to new designs for biomedical devices that can prevent contamination. The study found that wider channels with faster counterflows are more prone to invasion, but sharp corner designs can inhibit bacterial growth.
Recent trials have shown that catheter-based procedures can match the long-term results of open-heart surgery in relatively healthy patients with valvular disease. These procedures offer life-saving options to people too frail for open-heart surgery and are expected to bring more upcoming trials to New Brunswick.
A new international study confirms that drug-coated balloons can effectively treat larger narrowed blood vessels, offering a safer alternative to stents. The findings validate the method developed by Professor Bruno Scheller and demonstrate its efficacy in treating arteries with diameters larger than 2.75 mm.
A new drug-eluting balloon has been shown to match the outcomes of standard care for in-stent restenosis, offering a safer alternative for patients with multiple stent layers. The study's results suggest that patients with complex or multilayer ISR may benefit from sirolimus-eluting balloons as a viable treatment option.
A study of 1,081 elderly patients with AFMR found that TEER minimally invasive valve repair significantly lowered mortality and hospitalization rates compared to standard medical therapy alone. The procedure's success was also linked to the degree of residual mitral regurgitation after surgery.
A novel screening approach called VEST uses virtual echocardiography to identify patients at high risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a life-threatening form of heart failure. The tool has been shown to generate accurate PAH risk scores without manual calculations and can guide timely referrals for expert care.
The ERGO-CATH study reveals traditional lead aprons cause 43% discomfort among interventional cardiologists due to high-risk positions like cervical axial rotation. Researchers advocate for novel lead-less solutions, such as the Rampart device, to shield staff from radiation exposure and prevent orthopedic pain.
The UH Portage Medical Center's heart lab and prevention programs have shown a significant reduction in ischemic heart disease mortality, especially among older adults. The study found declines of 36% in the 65-74 age group and 28% in those over 85.
A survey by SCAI highlights alarming trends in radiation exposure and orthopedic injuries for interventional cardiologists and staff. The study proposes concrete steps to mitigate these hazards, including the adoption of new shielding technologies and expanding formal radiation safety education.
A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego has developed a clinically validated, wearable ultrasound patch for continuous and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. The device offers precise, real-time readings of blood pressure deep within the body, providing detailed trends in blood pressure fluctuations.
Researchers at Rice University developed a minimally invasive neural interface technique called endocisternal interfaces (ECI), allowing for simultaneous access to the brain and spinal cord without skull surgery. The innovative method uses cerebral spinal fluid as a pathway to deliver targeted devices, enabling new possibilities for th...
A study from the University of Notre Dame identifies fibrinolytic deficiencies as a key factor increasing risk for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and sepsis in catheterized patients. The research suggests that antifibrinolytic medications may be linked to this increased risk.
Researchers found associations between inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers and accelerated aging, with GlycA and GrimAge showing robust correlations. The study provides insight into the relationship between aging and cardiometabolic health, potentially informing vulnerable populations.
A new approach to heart bypass surgery has been successfully tested, using non-invasive cardiac-CT scan images and AI-powered blood flow analysis. The trial showed a 99.1% feasibility rate, indicating that the procedure is safe and effective without invasive diagnostic catheterisation.
Bruno Scheller developed a procedure using drug-coated balloons to treat coronary and peripheral artery disease, improving patients' quality of life. The technique has been widely recognized and effective, with countless patients spared further pain and surgery.
No significant disparities in receipt of general anesthesia were found among laboring patients who had labor epidural catheters in situ across different racial and ethnic groups. The study suggests that prior care disparities may contribute to higher rates of general anesthesia among minority groups.
A national-level study found that the median UVC dwell time was 7 days, and CLABSI incidence did not differ significantly between 0-7 days and 7-15 days. The study also highlighted high rates of antibiotic exposure without reduction in CLABSI rates, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to antibiotic administration.
A new study confirms that distal radial artery access is safe and effective for cardiac catheterization, without increasing the risk of hand dysfunction. The one-year findings from the DIPRA study demonstrate comparable outcomes between distal radial artery and conventional proximal radial artery access.
A long-term analysis reveals that approximately one-third of CTEPH patients also have left heart disease, which can worsen breathing symptoms and requires more comprehensive diagnostic approaches. The study suggests that treatment options for both conditions may overlap, necessitating further research to find effective therapies.
A systematic review published in Topics in SCI Rehabilitation suggests that indwelling catheters do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to intermittent catheterization. The review found that only three studies reported significantly higher UTI rates with indwelling catheters, but all three had critical flaws.
A Dartmouth-led study found that team-based coaching significantly improves the risk of acquiring post-procedural acute kidney injury (AKI) when compared to other interventions. The Collaborative with Surveillance intervention reduced the odds of AKI by 46 percent, making it a promising approach to address this prevalent adverse event.
A new analysis of the PROGRESS-CTO registry shows a significant increase in successful CTO PCI procedures, with higher efficiency and lower risk of complications. The findings demonstrate improved operator training and real-world experience leading to better patient outcomes.
A multi-center study evaluates the Alleviant System, a transcatheter technology that reduces pressure in the left atrium without implantation. The device demonstrates procedural safety and feasibility, with promising efficacy signals through six months.
The Disrupt PAD III trial found intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) to be effective in treating severely calcified peripheral artery lesions, with high patency rates compared to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). IVL also showed reduced severe complications and need for additional interventions.
The DIPRA study found no significant difference in hand function between distal radial artery access and conventional proximal radial artery access. Radial artery occlusion occurred more frequently with PRA, but the risk was negligible.
A nationwide study analyzing rates of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) found a nearly 30% decline following the COVID-19 pandemic. STEMI cases have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting continued hesitation among patients to seek hospital care despite having a heart att...
A nationwide study of 100 million hospitalizations found that percutaneous coronary intervention is safe and increasing among cancer patients. The study suggests that PCI can nearly double from 2016 to 2018 among patients with thrombocytopenia, without significantly increasing mortality.
A study led by University of Gothenburg researchers found that comprehensive preventive measures cut catheter-related urinary tract infections (UTIs) in frail elderly patients with hip fractures from 18% to 4%. The interventions included aseptic procedures, training videos, and knowledge testing.
The annual conference will cover important themes such as decision-making in coronary revascularization, specific treatment of complex lesion subsets, and the use of adjunctive tools. CTO Plus 2022 will feature 12 live case transmissions performed by world-class faculty members.
A study published in The Lancet found that using physiologic measurement quantitative flow ratio (QFR) for lesion selection during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) leads to better clinical outcomes compared to standard angiography-guided strategies. This is due to fewer procedural complications and superior long-term results.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) recognized four outstanding interventionalists with the Master Interventionalists of SCAI (MSCAI) designation. The recipients, Ian C. Gilchrist, Eberhard Grube, and Carey Kimmelstiel, have demonstrated excellence in invasive/interventional cardiology through their clin...
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions recognized three outstanding interventionalists, Dr. Ian C. Gilchrist, Dr. Eberhard Grube, and Dr. Carey Kimmelstiel, with the Master Interventionalists of SCAI (MSCAI) designation for their excellence in invasive cardiology. The designations acknowledge their commitment to c...
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has released updated consensus guidelines on best practices in cardiac catheterization laboratories. The new recommendations focus on patient-centered approaches, staff qualifications, and quality metrics to optimize outcomes. The document covers topics such as pre-procedure ...
Researchers at MUSC developed an AI software to predict CAD blockages' significance without catheterization. The software analyzes CT images of heart vessels and plaques, estimating blood flow and identifying high-risk features. This noninvasive method saves time, costs, and risks for patients and clinicians.
A new approach to guiding heart bypass surgery is being tested on patients for the first time, using non-invasive CT scans. The FAST TRACK CABG study aims to simplify treatment for coronary artery disease patients.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has released a position statement on optimal percutaneous interventional therapy for complex coronary artery disease. The guidelines address the challenges of treating patients with advanced age, frailty, comorbidities, and compromised hemodynamic status.
A large randomized study found that patients undergoing cardiac catheterization can eat prior to the procedure without increasing complications or costs. The study challenges traditional fasting protocols and could lead to more patient-centered care.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has released comprehensive guidelines for selecting devices used in aorto-iliac arterial interventions. The recommendations aim to provide clinicians with practical guidance based on comparative effectiveness data.
A study by Goethe University Frankfurt has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in guiding therapy decisions for patients with stable chest pain and coronary heart disease. MRI measurements were found to be as safe as cardiac catheterization, with reduced need for invasive procedures.
The statement emphasizes that high-quality CCL care should not be limited by fiscal concerns, and provides recommendations for balancing revenue and expenses. It also highlights the importance of aligning leadership, strategy, organization, processes, personnel, and culture to optimize outcomes and efficiency.
Researchers found that comic-style information improves patient comprehension and reduces anxiety before cardiac catheterization. The comic booklet was shown to be effective in explaining procedural details and postoperative advice, with patients reporting feeling better prepared for surgery.
A new study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found no major impact on brain health after major heart surgery. Researchers compared cognitive decline between patients undergoing heart surgery and those who received a catheter-based procedure, and found that the two groups showed little difference in memory performance.
The Dartmouth Institute has received a $3.5 million grant to test preventative interventions for acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual learning collaboratives with and without automated surveillance reporting.
Coronary angiography is essential for detecting acutely occluded epicardial coronary arteries in resuscitated individuals with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Numerous cohort studies have shown an association between survival and early coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention.
Patients with acute cardiac syndrome and cardiogenic shock living far from Halifax have significantly lower survival rates due to limited access to cardiac catheterization. The study found that patients with direct access to invasive care had a mortality rate of 41.7%, compared to 83.5% for those without direct access.
Researchers found that catheterization potentiates MRSA infection by inducing an inflammatory response and releasing the fibrinogen protein. This results in the facilitation of targeted treatments for MRSA CAUTI.
A recent analysis of published studies suggests that transradial catheterization can cause persistent damage to the radial artery's cells, persisting for several months after the procedure. Researchers emphasize the need for caution and explore novel techniques to minimize local arterial injury during radial catheterization.
Researchers found that a simple index based on systolic blood pressure and left-ventricular end-diastolic blood pressure ratio can predict in-hospital mortality for patients with STEMI. The study included 219 patients and showed that the SBP/LVEDP ratio was more predictive than other indices.
Underweight patients undergoing cardiac catheterisation are more likely to die, experience longer hospital stays, and incur higher costs compared to normal weight or obese patients. Morbidly obese patients, on the other hand, have better outcomes despite having a lower BMI.
A simple fix to avoid unnecessary coronary stents has been discovered, involving the administration of intracoronary nitroglycerin during procedures. By doing so, cardiologists can identify and treat coronary artery spasm, reducing the need for stenting procedures.
A new automated web-based surveillance system has been demonstrated to detect potential safety problems with medical devices like the Mynx, a vascular closure device. The system, called DELTA, performs automated safety analyses and comparative effectiveness studies prospectively, sending alerts to users via email.
The new expert consensus statement provides recommendations for patient monitoring and sedation administration during pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures. Key findings highlight the need for standardized practices to minimize anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital heart disease.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has released updated guidelines for cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) best practices. The new guidelines aim to improve the quality of care, enhance patient satisfaction, and promote consistency in cath lab operations.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has released a consensus statement providing guidance for treating patients with concomitant cardiovascular disease and cancer. The document aims to increase the competency of cardiovascular professionals in caring for cancer patients, who are expected to increase to 20 milli...
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that the appropriate use criteria for diagnostic cardiac catheterization may not be reliable for guiding clinical decisions. The researchers evaluated a cohort of 48,336 patients without a history of coronary artery disease and found that obstructive CAD is more likely to be diagno...
A Canadian study found that early invasive strategy using coronary angiography and interventions reduced costs and hospital stays for high-risk and low-risk patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. The study analyzed data from 479 patients, showing savings of $2,938 per patient compared to delayed strategies.
A UCLA-led analysis found that changes in treatment over the past decade have associated with higher survival rates for all patient groups, regardless of age or risk factors. The study tracked 6.5 million patients treated for heart attacks between 2002 and 2011 and found improved outcomes with earlier cardiac catheterization
The study found low rates of narrowing and leakage, with 96.7% of patients without stenosis at six months and 94% at 12 months. The device showed strong short- and mid-term results in patients with certain congenital heart defects.