New interventional cardiac catheterization services in US hospitals have duplicated existing programs and failed to improve patients' access to timely emergency cardiac care. The growth of these services has added to healthcare costs without significant improvements.
A novel hydration protocol guided by left ventricular end-diastolic pressure reduced kidney damage by 59% in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, according to the POSEIDON trial. The study found that this technique can be easily implemented and adapted for both inpatient and outpatient settings.
A new report provides detailed criteria for clinicians to determine when cardiac catheterization is a reasonable option for evaluating patients with heart disease. The guidelines identify 166 possible clinical scenarios and assess the appropriateness of each indication, concluding that cardiac catheterization is appropriate in about ha...
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The updated consensus statement provides guidance on setting up, operating, and maintaining high-quality cardiac catheterization laboratories. Modern cath labs now incorporate minimally invasive techniques for congenital heart defects and valvular heart disease, as well as developing hybrid labs with surgical features.
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.
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...
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that persistent depression symptoms may be associated with significant declines in cognitive performance in older patients with coronary artery disease who underwent cardiac catheterization. Patients with persistent depressive symptoms exhibited greater decline in attention/exec...
A new study found that heart rate recovery at one minute after a six-minute walking distance test is highly predictive of clinical worsening and time to clinical worsening in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Patients with low heart rate recovery were more likely to experience clinical worsening events and had s...
A recent study found that women having a coronary angioplasty (PCI) procedure have more health issues compared to men. However, the study did not find that they had a higher mortality rate after the procedure.
A new report found that coronary stent implantation is a feasible and safe palliative option for children under 18 with blocked arteries, including those as young as 15 months. The study showed successful stent placement and excellent revascularization in all seven cases.
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
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 multicenter study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that elective unprotected left main coronary artery PCI with drug-eluting stents resulted in favorable outcomes for patients with normal left ventricular function, including low rates of cardiac death and target lesion revascularization. Patients ag...
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.
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers from the University of Brighton are exploring a new approach to prevent catheter blockage by inhibiting the rise in urinary pH. The study found that biofilm-forming ability may not be the primary factor in catheter blockage, but rather the formation of crystals that can cause blockages.
Wait times for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have dropped significantly in Alberta and British Columbia, with median wait times decreasing by over 50%.
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.
A novel approach to angioplasty using standard guiding catheters has shown a 90% success rate in treating complex coronary lesions through the radial artery. The procedure, known as sheathless transradial PCI, promotes widespread adoption of transradial PCI in the US and offers benefits for patients with even the most complex procedures.
The SESAME stent showed 100% technical and procedural success rates, with no major adverse cardiac events or complications at 30 days. At 9 months, patency rates were comparable to balloon expandable stents without embolic protection.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
The new bimonthly journal Cardiac Cath Lab Director is being launched by SAGE, providing administrators and managers with the latest research and evidence-based information on cardiac catheterization procedures. Topics include cardiovascular anatomy, department administration, diagnostic techniques, and patient safety.
A study by the Congenital Cardiovascular Interventional Study Consortium found that stent implantation for aortic coarctation had an 86% intermediate success rate and 77% long-term success rate. The procedure was associated with a need for antihypertensive medication in 32% of patients.
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.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
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.
A systematic review of the literature found that uninsured patients are less likely to receive critical care services and face worse clinical outcomes. Uninsured patients were also more likely to experience discharge delays and have life support withdrawn.
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.
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization, reducing costs by $789 per patient and radiation exposure by minimal amounts. The study suggests that CCTA can effectively triage patients with low CAD risk, potentially eliminating the need for cardiac catheterization.
A study at Thomas Jefferson University found that non-invasive coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization. Performing CTA before catheterization results in significant cost savings, with an average of $789 per patient.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers at University Clinic in Leuven, Belgium successfully treated premature infants with constricted aortas using bailout stenting. The procedure resulted in better surgical outcomes and improved hemodynamic stability for patients.
A new study finds that nearly 60% of chest pain patients without prior heart disease have no significant coronary artery disease, highlighting the need for improved identification methods. The study suggests re-evaluating patient selection processes, including history taking and risk factor assessment.
The FiberNet Embolic Protection System had a 97.5% success rate in preventing strokes during carotid artery stenting in high-risk patients with CAD. The study found a combined major adverse event rate of 3.0% at 30 days following carotid endarterectomy.
A new software technology allows doctors to visualize 3D images of heart arteries in the catheterization lab, improving assessment and treatment of coronary artery disease. This can reduce radiation exposure and decrease analysis time for cardiologists.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A recent study found that individuals with ECGs prior to hospital arrival experienced significantly reduced door-to-balloon times. This advanced assessment allowed patients to bypass ER and receive reperfusion treatment in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, resulting in lower mortality rates.
A new study published in JAMA suggests that immediate intervention for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) may not provide a significant advantage in terms of outcomes. However, the strategy can still reduce hospital stay duration. The study evaluated data from 352 patients with ACS and found that both immediate and delayed in...
Researchers found that heart attack patients who develop serious arrhythmia during procedures face a significantly higher risk of death for several months after the procedure. The study suggests that these episodes complicate outcomes and affect a patient's chance of a successful outcome.
Certain patients with heart attack who experience abnormal heart rhythms before or after a coronary artery intervention have a significantly higher risk of death within 90 days. VT/VF episodes were more common in late catheterization and associated with lower blood pressure, higher heart rate, and lack of beta-blockers.
A new study reveals that peripheral arterial disease is frequently underdiagnosed in patients with known heart disease, even those under cardiologist care. The researchers found that approximately one out of six patients had previously unrecognized PAD, and that older patients and women were more likely to be overlooked.
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers found that 89% of patients treated with catheter-based therapy (CBT) showed significant improvement in neurologic disability and NIHSS score. CBT may be an effective alternative for ischemic stroke patients ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis, with potential benefits including earlier treatment windows.
New research confirms that 64-CT scans can accurately diagnose coronary artery blockages, rivaling invasive cardiac catheterization. The technology also has the potential to reduce cardiac catheterizations and serve as an alternative to cardiac stress testing.
A clinical trial on therapeutic endovascular cooling found that the treatment is well-tolerated and can be safely achieved in high-risk patients. The study, presented at TCT 2008, used a novel approach to cool patients' kidneys before administering contrast agents during cardiac catheterization procedures.
Two percutaneous approaches show promise: edge-to-edge technique reduces regurgitation in 80-90% of cases, while mitral annuloplasty achieves similar results in 90% of patients. However, further trials are needed to assess efficacy and safety compared to surgical repair
A study found that vein access in the upper leg does not reduce infection risk compared to neck vein access, except for patients with higher weights. Hematoma formation was significantly higher for jugular catheters.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A study found that 14% of patients with suspected STEMI did not have a clear culprit coronary artery, and 9.5% had no significant coronary artery disease. This may lead to unnecessary cardiac catheterization activation, which carries risks to the patient.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that advanced CT scans can accurately detect blockages in heart arteries, with a reliability rate of 90% matching those of invasive catheterization. The technology has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease, saving lives and preventing heart att...
A nationwide study found that use of pulmonary artery catheters in US hospitals decreased by 65% between 1993 and 2004, likely due to evidence showing no reduction in mortality for critically ill patients. The decline was most prominent for heart attack diagnoses, with a 81% decrease.
Researchers found that different statistical methods can produce varying results when analyzing observational data. Using instrumental variable analysis, they found a 16% relative decrease in death rate, whereas other methods showed a 50% relative decrease.
The CAPTURE study found that carotid stenting can be performed safely and effectively by community physicians who receive proper education and training. The study involved 3,500 high-surgical risk patients and 353 physicians at 144 hospitals across the US, with similar outcomes among experienced and less-experienced physicians.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A recent study reports a 100% success rate for ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterisation, reducing bloodstream infections and arterial punctures compared to traditional landmark methods. The use of real-time ultrasound images also significantly reduces the time required to insert the catheter and the number of attempts.
Nicardipine has been found to be highly effective and safe in reversing the 'no-reflow' phenomenon, a condition that affects up to 50,000 patients annually. The study involved 1,454 patients who were treated with nicardipine, resulting in a success rate of 98%.
A study found that one fourth of older patients receive catheters for no medical reason, putting them at risk of urinary tract infections. The risk is higher among women, patients over 85, and those with chronic illness or disability.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Studies examine ICD efficacy in women, finding lower survival rates; cardiac catheterization disparities among genders and races; defibrillator use in athletes shows moderate success rates but improves with younger patients; and FDA recalls impact patient mortality rates
Research found that young pregnant women with pregnancy complications are at increased risk of heart disease and death, with the risk doubling after adjusting for medical factors. Smoking during pregnancy was also found to significantly increase the risk of all-cause death and cardiac death.
The new guidelines provide detailed information on antibacterial soap selection, antibiotic use, protective gear, and air circulation in the cath lab. They emphasize patient and staff protection to prevent devastating infections after interventional procedures.
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Patients arriving at hospitals outside regular hours had significantly higher mortality rates compared to those arriving during daytime. Longer reperfusion treatment times were the primary cause of these differences, according to a recent study examining STEMI patients treated with fibrinolytic therapy or PCI.
MRI cardiac catheterization provides a detailed three-dimensional picture of the heart, enabling interventional cardiologists to see blood vessels inside and out. This technology is already being used to diagnose congenital heart disease in children and has the potential to replace traditional diagnostic catheterization procedures.
Researchers found that black high-risk patients were more likely to receive older treatments and less likely to receive newer drugs, including glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and clopidogrel. Despite these disparities, short-term outcomes did not differ significantly between blacks and whites.
Researchers found that African-American patients receive lower rates of cardiac catheterization for heart attacks compared to white patients, despite disparities narrowing over time. The study highlights the need for improved patient education and dialogue with medical teams to address racial disparities in healthcare.
The study shows that 3D MDCT angiography can quickly diagnose vascular injuries and fractures, reducing the need for X-ray examinations. It also helps identify musculoskeletal masses and their associated vasculature, facilitating preoperative planning and minimizing hemorrhagic complications.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers have successfully performed heart biopsies using arm catheterization, a promising new option for patients. The procedure showed no major complications and allowed patients to be discharged quickly.
A new clip device has shown promising results in repairing faulty heart valves through a less invasive cath lab procedure. The device, developed by Evalve Inc., uses the edge-to-edge technique to repair or replace the mitral valve without open-heart surgery.