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Cath Lab Digest

Issue Highlights

Renal Denervation
Use of the Paradise™ Ultrasound Renal Denervation (uRDN) System for Treatment of Uncontrolled Hypertension
03/05/2025
Amir Kaki, MD, FACC, FSCAI
The Paradise ultrasound Renal Denervation (uRDN) System (Recor Medical, Inc.) uses circumferential ultrasound energy to thermally ablate and disrupt sympathetic nerves along the renal arteries.
The Paradise ultrasound Renal Denervation (uRDN) System (Recor Medical, Inc.) uses circumferential ultrasound energy to thermally ablate and disrupt sympathetic nerves along the renal arteries.
The Paradise ultrasound Renal...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Stroke Research: Anatomy
Role of Left Atrial Septal Pouch in Cryptogenic Strokes: An Anatomical Entity We Need to Become Familiar With
03/05/2025
Subramaniam C. Krishnan, MD, FHRS
Cryptogenic strokes remain a significant problem worldwide. In a recent study from the Fuwai Hospital in Beijing, China, investigators successfully demonstrated that in patients with cryptogenic strokes who also have a structure termed the...
Cryptogenic strokes remain a significant problem worldwide. In a recent study from the Fuwai Hospital in Beijing, China, investigators successfully demonstrated that in patients with cryptogenic strokes who also have a structure termed the...
Cryptogenic strokes remain a...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Cath Lab Spotlight
Rhode Island Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Lab
03/05/2025
Caitlyn Nichols, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC
Rhode Island Hospital’s interventional cardiologists performed the first outpatient cardiac catheterization in New England and were among the first in the United States to perform percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We have a cath lab...
Rhode Island Hospital’s interventional cardiologists performed the first outpatient cardiac catheterization in New England and were among the first in the United States to perform percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We have a cath lab...
Rhode Island Hospital’s...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Complex High Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a 54-Year-Old Patient After Surgical Turndown and a Unique Approach to the Heart Team
03/05/2025
Aaron Shaikh, MD; Bernardo Cortese, MD
A 54-year-old male with a past medical history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma with previous chemo and radiation therapy 22 years ago and type II diabetes initially presented at an outlying hospital with acute onset dyspnea. An initial...
A 54-year-old male with a past medical history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma with previous chemo and radiation therapy 22 years ago and type II diabetes initially presented at an outlying hospital with acute onset dyspnea. An initial...
A 54-year-old male with a past...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
BEHIND THE SCENES
Talking With the Operator
03/05/2025
Bernardo Cortese, MD
This was a complex intervention requiring quick decision-making that centered around a heart team approach.
This was a complex intervention requiring quick decision-making that centered around a heart team approach.
This was a complex intervention...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
The Takeru™ PTCA Balloon Dilatation Catheter for Pre Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL)
02/05/2025
Daniel Vilchez, MD
Deliverability of IVL devices can be challenging. Thankfully, the low-profile design coupled with increased pushability of Terumo’s Takeru™ PTCA Balloon Dilatation Catheter facilitates the use of IVL in heavily calcified lesions. 
Deliverability of IVL devices can be challenging. Thankfully, the low-profile design coupled with increased pushability of Terumo’s Takeru™ PTCA Balloon Dilatation Catheter facilitates the use of IVL in heavily calcified lesions. 
Deliverability of IVL devices...
02/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Benefits of “Dual Prep” With Rotational Atherectomy and Subsequent Use of Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL)
02/04/2025
Stephan H. Heo, MD, FACC
With an aging population, the need to modify severely calcified coronary lesions prior to stent deployment is as common and difficult as ever. In this case, we highlight the treatment strategy of a tight lesion in a large vessel that was...
With an aging population, the need to modify severely calcified coronary lesions prior to stent deployment is as common and difficult as ever. In this case, we highlight the treatment strategy of a tight lesion in a large vessel that was...
With an aging population, the...
02/04/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Cardiovascular ASCs
Expanding Access to Care: A Virginia ASC With a Cardiac Service Line
02/04/2025
Ann E. Honeycutt, MSN
Ann Honeycutt, MSN, Executive Director of the Virginia Cardiovascular Specialist group, describes her experience building an ASC, the VCS Heart and Vascular Center, that first opened with a focus on electrophysiology and peripheral vascular...
Ann Honeycutt, MSN, Executive Director of the Virginia Cardiovascular Specialist group, describes her experience building an ASC, the VCS Heart and Vascular Center, that first opened with a focus on electrophysiology and peripheral vascular...
Ann Honeycutt, MSN, Executive...
02/04/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Structural Heart
Navigating Complexity: TAVR in an Elderly Patient With Critical Aortic Stenosis and Severe Annular Calcification
02/02/2025
Nouraldeen Manasrah, MD; Musa Sharkawi, MD
The following case details TAVR in a 93-year-old female with critical calcific aortic stenosis with severe annular calcification, highlighting the complex decision-making process required to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.
The following case details TAVR in a 93-year-old female with critical calcific aortic stenosis with severe annular calcification, highlighting the complex decision-making process required to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.
The following case details TAVR...
02/02/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Cardiovascular Management
Changing Priorities in Cardiology Physician Alignment Structures: Increases in Private Equity and Other Trends
02/01/2025
Michael Church
Cardiology is often described as an entrepreneurial specialty because of the opportunities for varied and complex management structures. Consider the strategic risks involved in some of the opportunities presenting themselves today.
Cardiology is often described as an entrepreneurial specialty because of the opportunities for varied and complex management structures. Consider the strategic risks involved in some of the opportunities presenting themselves today.
Cardiology is often described as...
02/01/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Dr Babaev
ISET 2025
Thirty-Day Outcomes From the Disrupt PAD BTK II Study
01/31/2025
Anvar Babaev, MD, PhD
At ISET 2025, Anvar Babaev, MD, PhD, presented findings from the Disrupt PAD BTK II study, a prospective, multicenter trial assessing the efficacy and safety of Shockwave IVL in treating calcified below-the-knee PAD.
At ISET 2025, Anvar Babaev, MD, PhD, presented findings from the Disrupt PAD BTK II study, a prospective, multicenter trial assessing the efficacy and safety of Shockwave IVL in treating calcified below-the-knee PAD.
At ISET 2025, Anvar Babaev, MD,...
01/31/2025
Vascular Disease Management
From Vascular Disease Management

News

Intravascular Imaging
ECLIPSE Trial: Intravascular Imaging Can Improve Outcomes for Complex Stenting Procedures in Patients with High-Risk Calcified CAD
03/31/2025
“The ECLIPSE trial shows that use of intravascular imaging (IVI) to guide coronary stenting in severely calcified lesions prevents death, stent thrombosis, and unplanned repeat procedures in this high-risk patient population,” says first...
“The ECLIPSE trial shows that use of intravascular imaging (IVI) to guide coronary stenting in severely calcified lesions prevents death, stent thrombosis, and unplanned repeat procedures in this high-risk patient population,” says first...
“The ECLIPSE trial shows that...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Aortic Stenosis
New Data Confirm Rapid, Unpredictable Progression of Severe Aortic Stenosis and Need for Urgent Referral and Evaluation of Patients
03/31/2025
New data from DETECT AS and the EARLY TAVR Trial were presented at ACC.25 in Chicago, addressing the critical needs of patients with structural heart disease.
New data from DETECT AS and the EARLY TAVR Trial were presented at ACC.25 in Chicago, addressing the critical needs of patients with structural heart disease.
New data from DETECT AS and the...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest
CAD in Women
New Intermountain Health Study Finds Gap Between Heart Disease Outcomes in Men and Women Has Narrowed Over Past 20 Years  
03/31/2025
Women studied tended to be older with more comorbidities (like high blood pressure, diabetes, and history of stroke and heart failure), have more stable chest pain, and experience less severe chest pain or heart attack when they came into the...
Women studied tended to be older with more comorbidities (like high blood pressure, diabetes, and history of stroke and heart failure), have more stable chest pain, and experience less severe chest pain or heart attack when they came into the...
Women studied tended to be older...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest
AI
HeartFocus Clinical Trial Proves AI Can Empower Novices to Deliver Diagnostic-Quality Cardiac Ultrasounds
03/31/2025
Results showed that 100% of exams conducted by novices using HeartFocus met the diagnostic standards for all primary endpoints, with a strong correlation to expert-acquired scans across qualitative and quantitative assessments.
Results showed that 100% of exams conducted by novices using HeartFocus met the diagnostic standards for all primary endpoints, with a strong correlation to expert-acquired scans across qualitative and quantitative assessments.
Results showed that 100% of...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest
plaque analysis
CONFIRM2 Registry: Late-Breaking Clinical Trial Results Demonstrate the Predictive Power of Cleerly's AI-QCT for Women’s Cardiovascular Risk at ACC.25
03/31/2025
The findings demonstrate that AI-QCT features of coronary artery disease (CAD), as detected by Cleerly’s AI-QCT, can identify women at high risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and improves risk stratification - a population...
The findings demonstrate that AI-QCT features of coronary artery disease (CAD), as detected by Cleerly’s AI-QCT, can identify women at high risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and improves risk stratification - a population...
The findings demonstrate that...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Statins
CorCal Outcomes Study: Who Needs a Statin? Intermountain Study Compares Prescribing Recommendations Based on Traditional Risk Factors vs. Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
03/31/2025
The research is part of CorCal Outcomes, a large, randomized clinical trial at Intermountain Health that is comparing the PCE versus CAC score guidance to initiate a statin prescription for patients for primary prevention of coronary heart...
The research is part of CorCal Outcomes, a large, randomized clinical trial at Intermountain Health that is comparing the PCE versus CAC score guidance to initiate a statin prescription for patients for primary prevention of coronary heart...
The research is part of CorCal...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest
CardiAMP Procedure
Cell Therapy
BioCardia Phase 3 CARDIAMP-HF Trial of Novel Cardiac Cell Therapy for Ischemic Heart Failure Shows Increased Survival, Decreased Cardiac Events, and Improved Quality of Life at Two Years
03/31/2025
"In this rigorous CardiAMP-HF Trial, patients who received the novel cell therapy adjunctive to medication experienced decreased mortality and MACCE, with improved quality of life, when compared to those on medication alone," said...
"In this rigorous CardiAMP-HF Trial, patients who received the novel cell therapy adjunctive to medication experienced decreased mortality and MACCE, with improved quality of life, when compared to those on medication alone," said...
"In this rigorous CardiAMP-HF...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Peripheral Arterial Disease
New Study Finds Peripheral Artery Disease Often Underdiagnosed and Undertreated; Opportunity to Improve Treatments and Lower Death Rates
03/31/2025
Researchers identified 7,522 patients who had a symptomatic peripheral artery disease diagnosis at Intermountain Health facilities between January 2006 and December 2021 and were seen once in follow-up within at least 18 months of their...
Researchers identified 7,522 patients who had a symptomatic peripheral artery disease diagnosis at Intermountain Health facilities between January 2006 and December 2021 and were seen once in follow-up within at least 18 months of their...
Researchers identified 7,522...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest
TAVR
Evolut Low Risk Trial: Medtronic Evolut TAVR System Shows Durable Clinical Outcomes and Outstanding Valve Performance at 5 Years in Low-Risk AS Patients
03/31/2025
"Results at five years support Evolut's supra-annular, self-expanding TAVR as a safe, effective, and durable alternative to surgery for patients with severe aortic stenosis, regardless of their surgical risk," said Michael J. Reardon, MD.
"Results at five years support Evolut's supra-annular, self-expanding TAVR as a safe, effective, and durable alternative to surgery for patients with severe aortic stenosis, regardless of their surgical risk," said Michael J. Reardon, MD.
"Results at five years support...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Calcium Score
Low Coronary Artery Calcium Score is Associated with An Excellent Prognosis Regardless of a Person’s Age, New Intermountain Health Study Finds
03/31/2025
“We found that a zero-plaque burden is not only highly prognostic of good heart health at any age, but also of excellent overall survival,” said Jeffrey L. Anderson, MD, principal investigator of the study.
“We found that a zero-plaque burden is not only highly prognostic of good heart health at any age, but also of excellent overall survival,” said Jeffrey L. Anderson, MD, principal investigator of the study.
“We found that a zero-plaque...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest

Clinical Editor's Corner

Clinical Editor's Corner
Stenting Across Coronary Aneurysms – What’s the Best Way?
03/05/2025
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA; David A. Cox, MD; Stephen Jenkins, MD; Dean J. Kereiakes, MD, FACC, MSCAI; Gary S. Mintz, MD; Jeffrey W. Moses, MD; Stephen R. Ramee, MD; Kenneth Rosenfield, MD, MHCDS; Barry F. Uretsky, MD
Stenting across a coronary aneurysm invariably leaves free-floating struts which remain of concern to the operators despite good antiplatelet regiments after the procedure. Most of the time, this is a benign percutaneous coronary intervention...
Stenting across a coronary aneurysm invariably leaves free-floating struts which remain of concern to the operators despite good antiplatelet regiments after the procedure. Most of the time, this is a benign percutaneous coronary intervention...
Stenting across a coronary...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
Easy PCI – Some Tips on the Little Things
02/05/2025
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA; Paul S. Teirstein, MD, FACC
"I hope this brief collection of tips and tricks for easy PCI in 2025 is helpful," says Dr. Kern. "If you identify a tip or trick that makes PCI or intervention or cardiac cath easier in your lab, please consider sending it along to me."
"I hope this brief collection of tips and tricks for easy PCI in 2025 is helpful," says Dr. Kern. "If you identify a tip or trick that makes PCI or intervention or cardiac cath easier in your lab, please consider sending it along to me."
"I hope this brief collection of...
02/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
Better Radiation Protection Through the Care and “Feeding” of Your Lead Apron
01/08/2025
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA
"A good apron is a critical element of our profession and we should make every effort to maintain them for our safety," says Dr. Kern. "Because I was surprised by my own lack of knowledge on the care and ‘feeding’ of our PPA, I thought I...
"A good apron is a critical element of our profession and we should make every effort to maintain them for our safety," says Dr. Kern. "Because I was surprised by my own lack of knowledge on the care and ‘feeding’ of our PPA, I thought I...
"A good apron is a critical...
01/08/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
Conversations in Cardiology: Avoiding Catastrophe – Managing an Errant Inferior Epigastric Artery Puncture
12/06/2024
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA; Phillip Mumford, MHA, MBA, RCIS; Duane S. Pinto, MD, MPH; Stephen R. Ramee, MD; Kenneth Rosenfield, MD, MHCDS; Curtiss P. Stinis, MD; Zoltan G. Turi, MD
I received a query about hemostasis after inadvertent entry into the inferior epigastric artery. A percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was completed without a problem.
I received a query about hemostasis after inadvertent entry into the inferior epigastric artery. A percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was completed without a problem.
I received a query about...
12/06/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
Best Practices Management of STEMI in the Cath Lab: Overview of the 2024 SCAI Consensus Statement
11/07/2024
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA
The consensus document conscientiously reviews the current thinking on the best diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to treat a patient with STEMI in the catheterization laboratory. Addressing some controversial areas to provide a...
The consensus document conscientiously reviews the current thinking on the best diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to treat a patient with STEMI in the catheterization laboratory. Addressing some controversial areas to provide a...
The consensus document...
11/07/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
Shared Decision-Making for the Cath Lab
10/01/2024
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA
As I understand it, SDM is an information exchange between the physician and the patient, usually with the family, discussing the underlying problem (eg, aortic stenosis), and current clinical status, followed by recommendations for treatment...
As I understand it, SDM is an information exchange between the physician and the patient, usually with the family, discussing the underlying problem (eg, aortic stenosis), and current clinical status, followed by recommendations for treatment...
As I understand it, SDM is an...
10/01/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
Competence, Capacity, Consent – Part of a Successful Pre-Cath Assessment
09/01/2024
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA
We recently had a patient who presented us with a challenge to know whether the informed consent was valid, something I thought we’d address in this editor’s page. 
We recently had a patient who presented us with a challenge to know whether the informed consent was valid, something I thought we’d address in this editor’s page. 
We recently had a patient who...
09/01/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
What Makes a Cath Lab Great? Great Leaders and Great Teams
07/22/2024
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA
For teaching centers, July 1st brings new faces to the cath lab, mostly in the form of cardiology trainees. Working with a brand-new cardiology fellow assigned to the cath lab prompted me to review how cath labs become great and how great...
For teaching centers, July 1st brings new faces to the cath lab, mostly in the form of cardiology trainees. Working with a brand-new cardiology fellow assigned to the cath lab prompted me to review how cath labs become great and how great...
For teaching centers, July 1st...
07/22/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
Fasting vs Non-Fasting Status: It’s Time to End the NPO Order for Most Patients
07/02/2024
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA
In a 2010 editor’s page, I summarized the opinions of several prominent interventionalists who expressed their interest and belief that the nil per os (NPO) order has outlived its usefulness. In our current environment, NPO does not have to...
In a 2010 editor’s page, I summarized the opinions of several prominent interventionalists who expressed their interest and belief that the nil per os (NPO) order has outlived its usefulness. In our current environment, NPO does not have to...
In a 2010 editor’s page, I...
07/02/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
In Transition: Early-Career Interventional Cardiologists
05/29/2024

Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA

Clinical Editor; Interventional Cardiologist, Long Beach VA Medical Center, Long Beach, California; Professor of Medicine, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California 

 

Disclosures: Dr. Morton Kern reports he is a consultant for Abiomed, Abbott Vascular, Philips Volcano, ACIST Medical, and Opsens Inc. 

Dr. Kern can be contacted at mortonkern2007@gmail.com
On Twitter @MortonKern

Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA...
Every year, we graduate cardiology fellows and introduce them as new interventionalists into our community. It is our fervent hope and desire that they succeed and deliver great care to their patients.   
Every year, we graduate cardiology fellows and introduce them as new interventionalists into our community. It is our fervent hope and desire that they succeed and deliver great care to their patients.   
Every year, we graduate...
05/29/2024
Cath Lab Digest

Watch/Listen

Milner, Cilingiroglu, Inanc
Intravascular Imaging
Optical Coherence Tomography in Peripheral Arterial Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
04/01/2025
Thomas E. Milner, PhD; Mehmet Cilingiroglu, MD, FSCAI, FACC, FESC, FAHA; Ibrahim Halil Inanc, MD
Dr. Thomas Milner, Dr. Mehmet Cilingiroglu, and Dr. Ibrahim Halil Inanc explore the emerging role of intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Dr. Thomas Milner, Dr. Mehmet Cilingiroglu, and Dr. Ibrahim Halil Inanc explore the emerging role of intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Dr. Thomas Milner, Dr. Mehmet...
04/01/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Bailey Estes, MSN, speaks on calcium modification
CALCIUM MODIFICATION
Calcium Modification: Why & How
03/31/2025
Bailey Ann Estes, AGNP-C, MSN, RN-BC, RCIS, RNFA
This 16-minute presentation by Bailey Estes, MSN, highlights essential calcium modification techniques and emphasizes the importance of intravascular imaging in guiding safe, effective, and durable interventions.
This 16-minute presentation by Bailey Estes, MSN, highlights essential calcium modification techniques and emphasizes the importance of intravascular imaging in guiding safe, effective, and durable interventions.
This 16-minute presentation by...
03/31/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Jeremy Bock, MD
Renal Denervation
Blood Pressure Response Following Radiofrequency Renal Denervation in a Large Commercial U.S. Cohort
03/21/2025
Jeremy S. Bock, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Dr. Jeremy Bock discusses his study looking at blood pressure response following radiofrequency renal denervation in the largest real-world United States cohort, including older patients, recently presented at the CRT meeting in Washington,...
Dr. Jeremy Bock discusses his study looking at blood pressure response following radiofrequency renal denervation in the largest real-world United States cohort, including older patients, recently presented at the CRT meeting in Washington,...
Dr. Jeremy Bock discusses his...
03/21/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Bailey Estes, MSN, and Srihari Naidu, MD
Patient Education
HCM Education: Lindsay's Big Heart
03/04/2025
Srihari Naidu, MD, talks with Bailey Estes, MSN, about his new book for children, Lindsay's Big Heart, focusing on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Dr. Naidu talks about how both physicians and patients can benefit from the book and from...
Srihari Naidu, MD, talks with Bailey Estes, MSN, about his new book for children, Lindsay's Big Heart, focusing on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Dr. Naidu talks about how both physicians and patients can benefit from the book and from...
Srihari Naidu, MD, talks with...
03/04/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Atul Gupta, MD
Structural Heart
Advancements in Structural Heart Disease and AI Are Revolutionizing Echocardiography
11/27/2024
Atul Gupta, MD
Atul Gupta, MD, has a unique perspective on advancement in the growth of structural heart disease treatment, the miniaturization and automation of echocardiography, and how AI is set to revolutionize the field.
Atul Gupta, MD, has a unique perspective on advancement in the growth of structural heart disease treatment, the miniaturization and automation of echocardiography, and how AI is set to revolutionize the field.
Atul Gupta, MD, has a unique...
11/27/2024
Cath Lab Digest

Online Exclusives

hemostasis
A Refresher on Pressure
12/10/2024
Jon E. Jenkins, RN, RCIS
In the era of vascular closure devices, the skill of achieving hemostasis by manual compression is almost becoming a lost art. It concerns me to see cath lab personnel that do not have a good technique for manual compression. When those...
In the era of vascular closure devices, the skill of achieving hemostasis by manual compression is almost becoming a lost art. It concerns me to see cath lab personnel that do not have a good technique for manual compression. When those...
In the era of vascular closure...
12/10/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Anomalies
Anomalous Left Main Coronary Artery: Approach to Engaging the Anomalous Vessel
12/10/2024
Luigi Pacifico, DO; Pradnya Brijmohan Bhattad, MD
Pradnya Brijmohan Bhattad, MD and Luigi Pacifico, DO, share views of a rare coronary anomaly involving an anomalous left main coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva.
Pradnya Brijmohan Bhattad, MD and Luigi Pacifico, DO, share views of a rare coronary anomaly involving an anomalous left main coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva.
Pradnya Brijmohan Bhattad, MD...
12/10/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Images
Rate-Related Complete Left Bundle Branch Block: A Rare Phenomenon With Exercise Stress
05/28/2024

Pradnya Brijmohan Bhattad, MD1; Amir Joshi, MD2; Richard Wholey, MD1

1Cardiovascular Medicine; 2Internal Medicine Saint Vincent Hospital, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts

 

Disclosures: The authors report no conflicts of interest regarding the content herein.

The authors can be contacted via Pradnya Brijmohan Bhattad, MD, at pradnyabhattad20@gmail.com.

Pradnya Brijmohan Bhattad, MD1; Amir ...
A 55-year-old nonsmoker male with a prior history of hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea presented for an exercise stress test to evaluate for palpitations. During his exercise treadmill stress test, he had a rate-related left bundle...
A 55-year-old nonsmoker male with a prior history of hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea presented for an exercise stress test to evaluate for palpitations. During his exercise treadmill stress test, he had a rate-related left bundle...
A 55-year-old nonsmoker male...
05/28/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Kusum Lata, MD, at SCAI 2023
Career Perspectives
Don’t Give Up: Notes From My Journey to the SCAI Board of Trustees
02/15/2024
Kusum Lata, MD, FACC, FSCAI
By sharing my own journey, I hope to inspire others to create their own transformative arena and collectively make a difference.
By sharing my own journey, I hope to inspire others to create their own transformative arena and collectively make a difference.
By sharing my own journey, I...
02/15/2024
Cath Lab Digest
CLD Corazon Figure 1
Out-of-Hospital Care
A Shift in Cardiovascular Care: Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), and Peripheral Vascular Interventions (PVI)
02/12/2024
Amy J. Newell, RT(R); Michael Church
Providers must develop and integrate an ambulatory strategy into their overarching cardiovascular strategic plan, whether through joint ventures, acquisition, or other alignment structures with existing ASCs, or through investment into their...
Providers must develop and integrate an ambulatory strategy into their overarching cardiovascular strategic plan, whether through joint ventures, acquisition, or other alignment structures with existing ASCs, or through investment into their...
Providers must develop and...
02/12/2024
Cath Lab Digest

Case Reports

Case Report
Complex High Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a 54-Year-Old Patient After Surgical Turndown and a Unique Approach to the Heart Team
03/05/2025
Aaron Shaikh, MD; Bernardo Cortese, MD
A 54-year-old male with a past medical history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma with previous chemo and radiation therapy 22 years ago and type II diabetes initially presented at an outlying hospital with acute onset dyspnea. An initial...
A 54-year-old male with a past medical history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma with previous chemo and radiation therapy 22 years ago and type II diabetes initially presented at an outlying hospital with acute onset dyspnea. An initial...
A 54-year-old male with a past...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
BEHIND THE SCENES
Talking With the Operator
03/05/2025
Bernardo Cortese, MD
This was a complex intervention requiring quick decision-making that centered around a heart team approach.
This was a complex intervention requiring quick decision-making that centered around a heart team approach.
This was a complex intervention...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
The Takeru™ PTCA Balloon Dilatation Catheter for Pre Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL)
02/05/2025
Daniel Vilchez, MD
Deliverability of IVL devices can be challenging. Thankfully, the low-profile design coupled with increased pushability of Terumo’s Takeru™ PTCA Balloon Dilatation Catheter facilitates the use of IVL in heavily calcified lesions. 
Deliverability of IVL devices can be challenging. Thankfully, the low-profile design coupled with increased pushability of Terumo’s Takeru™ PTCA Balloon Dilatation Catheter facilitates the use of IVL in heavily calcified lesions. 
Deliverability of IVL devices...
02/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Benefits of “Dual Prep” With Rotational Atherectomy and Subsequent Use of Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL)
02/04/2025
Stephan H. Heo, MD, FACC
With an aging population, the need to modify severely calcified coronary lesions prior to stent deployment is as common and difficult as ever. In this case, we highlight the treatment strategy of a tight lesion in a large vessel that was...
With an aging population, the need to modify severely calcified coronary lesions prior to stent deployment is as common and difficult as ever. In this case, we highlight the treatment strategy of a tight lesion in a large vessel that was...
With an aging population, the...
02/04/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Not the Usual Suspect: Intracoronary Hematoma Presenting as an Acute STEMI
01/09/2025
Yashwant Agrawal, MD, FACC, FSCAI; Dominika M. Zoltowska, MD; Anthony Elghoul; Anwita Reddy Nimma; Tim A. Fischell, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Spontaneous or trauma-related coronary intramural hematoma, a subset of coronary artery dissection, is a rare, challenging, and under-recognized diagnosis constituting 1% to 4% of all myocardial infarctions.(1)
Spontaneous or trauma-related coronary intramural hematoma, a subset of coronary artery dissection, is a rare, challenging, and under-recognized diagnosis constituting 1% to 4% of all myocardial infarctions.(1)
Spontaneous or trauma-related...
01/09/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Endless Loop Tachycardia: An Uncommon Entity in the Common Devices
01/05/2025
Pradnya Brijmohan Bhattad, MD; Anderson Ariaga, MD; Arnav Jain; Luigi Pacifico, DO
Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia (PMT) also known as endless loop tachycardia, is an iatrogenic arrhythmia that occurs primarily in patients with dual chamber pacemakers with at least atrial-sensing and ventricular pacing functions.
Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia (PMT) also known as endless loop tachycardia, is an iatrogenic arrhythmia that occurs primarily in patients with dual chamber pacemakers with at least atrial-sensing and ventricular pacing functions.
Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia...
01/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Occluded Tibiopedal Access to Cross and Treat Complex Tibial Artery Occlusive Disease in a Patient With Critical Limb Ischemia
11/08/2024
Sreejit Nair, MD; Ashwani Sastry, MD; Janardhan Srinivasan, MD; Michael Canavan, DPM; Fadi Saab, MD, FACC, FSCAI; John H. Rundback, MD, FAHA, FSIR
Retrograde pedal access has been well-described in the literature to facilitate complex arterial revascularization when a traditional antegrade approach fails. This is useful for infrapopliteal disease that is often seen in patients with CLI.
Retrograde pedal access has been well-described in the literature to facilitate complex arterial revascularization when a traditional antegrade approach fails. This is useful for infrapopliteal disease that is often seen in patients with CLI.
Retrograde pedal access has been...
11/08/2024
Vascular Disease Management
Case Report
Advanced Radial Access Techniques for Complex Coronary Interventions in Challenging Anatomies
10/01/2024
Prasanna Sengodan, MD; Ahmed Hassaan Qavi, MD
Drs Qavi and Sengodan share a successful radial access intervention in a retroflexed left circumflex artery lesion with challenging subclavian anatomy. 
Drs Qavi and Sengodan share a successful radial access intervention in a retroflexed left circumflex artery lesion with challenging subclavian anatomy. 
Drs Qavi and Sengodan share a...
10/01/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI)
Treating a CTO of the SFA Using Auryon Laser Atherectomy in a CLTI Patient
08/31/2024
Nader Chadda, MD, FACC; IIyas Chadda
The patient is a 77-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and abdominal aortic aneurysm status post repair with stent graft placement, who has been suffering from bilateral foot wounds that have been nonhealing. The...
The patient is a 77-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and abdominal aortic aneurysm status post repair with stent graft placement, who has been suffering from bilateral foot wounds that have been nonhealing. The...
The patient is a 77-year-old man...
08/31/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Transcatheter Arterialization of Deep Veins (TADV)
07/29/2024
Mehdi H. Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD; Shilpkumar Arora, MD, MPH
The LimFlow procedure (Inari Medical) provides a promising alternative for patients with no-option CLI, potentially reducing the need for major amputations. This case demonstrates the potential of TADV in achieving limb salvage and highlights...
The LimFlow procedure (Inari Medical) provides a promising alternative for patients with no-option CLI, potentially reducing the need for major amputations. This case demonstrates the potential of TADV in achieving limb salvage and highlights...
The LimFlow procedure (Inari...
07/29/2024
Cath Lab Digest

From the Experts

Renal Denervation
Use of the Paradise™ Ultrasound Renal Denervation (uRDN) System for Treatment of Uncontrolled Hypertension
03/05/2025
Amir Kaki, MD, FACC, FSCAI
The Paradise ultrasound Renal Denervation (uRDN) System (Recor Medical, Inc.) uses circumferential ultrasound energy to thermally ablate and disrupt sympathetic nerves along the renal arteries.
The Paradise ultrasound Renal Denervation (uRDN) System (Recor Medical, Inc.) uses circumferential ultrasound energy to thermally ablate and disrupt sympathetic nerves along the renal arteries.
The Paradise ultrasound Renal...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Cardiovascular ASCs
Expanding Access to Care: A Virginia ASC With a Cardiac Service Line
02/04/2025
Ann E. Honeycutt, MSN
Ann Honeycutt, MSN, Executive Director of the Virginia Cardiovascular Specialist group, describes her experience building an ASC, the VCS Heart and Vascular Center, that first opened with a focus on electrophysiology and peripheral vascular...
Ann Honeycutt, MSN, Executive Director of the Virginia Cardiovascular Specialist group, describes her experience building an ASC, the VCS Heart and Vascular Center, that first opened with a focus on electrophysiology and peripheral vascular...
Ann Honeycutt, MSN, Executive...
02/04/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Structural Heart & EP
Lead Management in Patients With Cardiac Implantable Devices and Tricuspid Regurgitation
12/06/2024
Mark Metzl, MD; Mark J. Ricciardi, MD, FAHA
"We have to approach these patients from multiple perspectives, which is why this topic is so important for both electrophysiologists and for our structural colleagues," says Mark D. Metzl, MD. Read more from Dr. Metzl and Mark J. Ricciardi,...
"We have to approach these patients from multiple perspectives, which is why this topic is so important for both electrophysiologists and for our structural colleagues," says Mark D. Metzl, MD. Read more from Dr. Metzl and Mark J. Ricciardi,...
"We have to approach these...
12/06/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Structural Heart
Paravalvular Leak in Aortic and Mitral Valve Disease
12/06/2024
CLD talks with Nish Harshadkumar Patel, MD, about his presentation at Baptist Health’s Echocardiography and Structural Heart Symposium, which took place September 27th-28th in Coral Gables, Florida.
CLD talks with Nish Harshadkumar Patel, MD, about his presentation at Baptist Health’s Echocardiography and Structural Heart Symposium, which took place September 27th-28th in Coral Gables, Florida.
CLD talks with Nish Harshadkumar...
12/06/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Atul Gupta, MD
Structural Heart
Advancements in Structural Heart Disease and AI Are Revolutionizing Echocardiography
11/27/2024
Atul Gupta, MD
Atul Gupta, MD, has a unique perspective on advancement in the growth of structural heart disease treatment, the miniaturization and automation of echocardiography, and how AI is set to revolutionize the field.
Atul Gupta, MD, has a unique perspective on advancement in the growth of structural heart disease treatment, the miniaturization and automation of echocardiography, and how AI is set to revolutionize the field.
Atul Gupta, MD, has a unique...
11/27/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Dr. Morton Kern, Dr. Jacqueline Tamis-Holland, and Dr. Arnold Seto
KERN LIVE
SCAI Expert Consensus Statement on STEMI in the Cath Lab: Drs. Kern, Tamis-Holland, and Seto Discuss
11/12/2024
Listen in as Jacqueline E. Tamis-Holland, MD, FSCAI, of the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute and chair of the consensus statement working group, joins Morton Kern, MD, and Arnold H. Seto, MD, to discuss the 2024 Society...
Listen in as Jacqueline E. Tamis-Holland, MD, FSCAI, of the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute and chair of the consensus statement working group, joins Morton Kern, MD, and Arnold H. Seto, MD, to discuss the 2024 Society...
Listen in as Jacqueline E....
11/12/2024
Cath Lab Digest
STRUCTURAL HEART & EP
A Growing Concern: Patients With CIED Leads and Tricuspid Regurgitation
11/07/2024
Laurence M. Epstein, MD; Rebecca T. Hahn, MD
"A heart team approach is mandatory, because these patients are very complicated and the leads may or may not be contributing to the tricuspid regurgitation," says Laurence Epstein, MD. Read more from Dr. Epstein and Rebecca Hahn, MD.
"A heart team approach is mandatory, because these patients are very complicated and the leads may or may not be contributing to the tricuspid regurgitation," says Laurence Epstein, MD. Read more from Dr. Epstein and Rebecca Hahn, MD.
"A heart team approach is...
11/07/2024
Cath Lab Digest
THROMBECTOMY
Use of the BD® Aspirex™ Mechanical Aspiration Thrombectomy System for the Treatment of DVT and Thrombosed AV Grafts and Fistulas
11/05/2024
Jeffrey E. Silpe MD, MS-HPEd
CLD talks with Jeffrey E. Silpe MD, MS-HPEd, about his use of the Aspirex™ Mechanical Aspiration Thrombectomy System. Dr. Silpe notes, "The recent strategy for venous thrombectomy is definitely moving away from pharmaco-mechanical...
CLD talks with Jeffrey E. Silpe MD, MS-HPEd, about his use of the Aspirex™ Mechanical Aspiration Thrombectomy System. Dr. Silpe notes, "The recent strategy for venous thrombectomy is definitely moving away from pharmaco-mechanical...
CLD talks with Jeffrey E. Silpe...
11/05/2024
Cath Lab Digest
cutting edge
A Look at the Future of Structural Intervention: The Rise of the Imaging Specialists and Cardiac Electrosurgery
11/04/2024
Stephen H. Little, MD
Dr. Little discusses the present and future of the structural echocardiographer on the heart team, as well as an evolving addition to the structural field, the application of percutaneous, image-guided electrosurgery.
Dr. Little discusses the present and future of the structural echocardiographer on the heart team, as well as an evolving addition to the structural field, the application of percutaneous, image-guided electrosurgery.
Dr. Little discusses the present...
11/04/2024
Cath Lab Digest
Interview
The Economic Costs and Patient Consequences of Amputation as a Treatment for Critical Limb Ischemia
09/19/2024
Mary Yost, MBA, president and cofounder of The Yost Group, spoke with VDM about her AMP 2024 presentation on the consequences of amputation as a treatment for patients with CLI.
Mary Yost, MBA, president and cofounder of The Yost Group, spoke with VDM about her AMP 2024 presentation on the consequences of amputation as a treatment for patients with CLI.
Mary Yost, MBA, president and...
09/19/2024
Vascular Disease Management

Read More

Clinical Editor's Corner
Stenting Across Coronary Aneurysms – What’s the Best Way?
03/05/2025
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA; David A. Cox, MD; Stephen Jenkins, MD; Dean J. Kereiakes, MD, FACC, MSCAI; Gary S. Mintz, MD; Jeffrey W. Moses, MD; Stephen R. Ramee, MD; Kenneth Rosenfield, MD, MHCDS; Barry F. Uretsky, MD
Stenting across a coronary aneurysm invariably leaves free-floating struts which remain of concern to the operators despite good antiplatelet regiments after the procedure. Most of the time, this is a benign percutaneous coronary intervention...
Stenting across a coronary aneurysm invariably leaves free-floating struts which remain of concern to the operators despite good antiplatelet regiments after the procedure. Most of the time, this is a benign percutaneous coronary intervention...
Stenting across a coronary...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Complex High Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a 54-Year-Old Patient After Surgical Turndown and a Unique Approach to the Heart Team
03/05/2025
Aaron Shaikh, MD; Bernardo Cortese, MD
A 54-year-old male with a past medical history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma with previous chemo and radiation therapy 22 years ago and type II diabetes initially presented at an outlying hospital with acute onset dyspnea. An initial...
A 54-year-old male with a past medical history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma with previous chemo and radiation therapy 22 years ago and type II diabetes initially presented at an outlying hospital with acute onset dyspnea. An initial...
A 54-year-old male with a past...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
BEHIND THE SCENES
Talking With the Operator
03/05/2025
Bernardo Cortese, MD
This was a complex intervention requiring quick decision-making that centered around a heart team approach.
This was a complex intervention requiring quick decision-making that centered around a heart team approach.
This was a complex intervention...
03/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
The Takeru™ PTCA Balloon Dilatation Catheter for Pre Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL)
02/05/2025
Daniel Vilchez, MD
Deliverability of IVL devices can be challenging. Thankfully, the low-profile design coupled with increased pushability of Terumo’s Takeru™ PTCA Balloon Dilatation Catheter facilitates the use of IVL in heavily calcified lesions. 
Deliverability of IVL devices can be challenging. Thankfully, the low-profile design coupled with increased pushability of Terumo’s Takeru™ PTCA Balloon Dilatation Catheter facilitates the use of IVL in heavily calcified lesions. 
Deliverability of IVL devices...
02/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
Easy PCI – Some Tips on the Little Things
02/05/2025
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA; Paul S. Teirstein, MD, FACC
"I hope this brief collection of tips and tricks for easy PCI in 2025 is helpful," says Dr. Kern. "If you identify a tip or trick that makes PCI or intervention or cardiac cath easier in your lab, please consider sending it along to me."
"I hope this brief collection of tips and tricks for easy PCI in 2025 is helpful," says Dr. Kern. "If you identify a tip or trick that makes PCI or intervention or cardiac cath easier in your lab, please consider sending it along to me."
"I hope this brief collection of...
02/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Benefits of “Dual Prep” With Rotational Atherectomy and Subsequent Use of Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL)
02/04/2025
Stephan H. Heo, MD, FACC
With an aging population, the need to modify severely calcified coronary lesions prior to stent deployment is as common and difficult as ever. In this case, we highlight the treatment strategy of a tight lesion in a large vessel that was...
With an aging population, the need to modify severely calcified coronary lesions prior to stent deployment is as common and difficult as ever. In this case, we highlight the treatment strategy of a tight lesion in a large vessel that was...
With an aging population, the...
02/04/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Not the Usual Suspect: Intracoronary Hematoma Presenting as an Acute STEMI
01/09/2025
Yashwant Agrawal, MD, FACC, FSCAI; Dominika M. Zoltowska, MD; Anthony Elghoul; Anwita Reddy Nimma; Tim A. Fischell, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Spontaneous or trauma-related coronary intramural hematoma, a subset of coronary artery dissection, is a rare, challenging, and under-recognized diagnosis constituting 1% to 4% of all myocardial infarctions.(1)
Spontaneous or trauma-related coronary intramural hematoma, a subset of coronary artery dissection, is a rare, challenging, and under-recognized diagnosis constituting 1% to 4% of all myocardial infarctions.(1)
Spontaneous or trauma-related...
01/09/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
Better Radiation Protection Through the Care and “Feeding” of Your Lead Apron
01/08/2025
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA
"A good apron is a critical element of our profession and we should make every effort to maintain them for our safety," says Dr. Kern. "Because I was surprised by my own lack of knowledge on the care and ‘feeding’ of our PPA, I thought I...
"A good apron is a critical element of our profession and we should make every effort to maintain them for our safety," says Dr. Kern. "Because I was surprised by my own lack of knowledge on the care and ‘feeding’ of our PPA, I thought I...
"A good apron is a critical...
01/08/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Case Report
Endless Loop Tachycardia: An Uncommon Entity in the Common Devices
01/05/2025
Pradnya Brijmohan Bhattad, MD; Anderson Ariaga, MD; Arnav Jain; Luigi Pacifico, DO
Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia (PMT) also known as endless loop tachycardia, is an iatrogenic arrhythmia that occurs primarily in patients with dual chamber pacemakers with at least atrial-sensing and ventricular pacing functions.
Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia (PMT) also known as endless loop tachycardia, is an iatrogenic arrhythmia that occurs primarily in patients with dual chamber pacemakers with at least atrial-sensing and ventricular pacing functions.
Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia...
01/05/2025
Cath Lab Digest
Optical Coherence Tomography
Clinical Images: OCT in the Peripheral Vasculature
01/01/2025
Case Report A 45-year-old woman, who was a nonsmoker with a known case of hypertension, presented with a history of pain in her right upper limb on exertion for the past 6 months. There was no history of any neurological symptoms, trauma,...
Case Report A 45-year-old woman, who was a nonsmoker with a known case of hypertension, presented with a history of pain in her right upper limb on exertion for the past 6 months. There was no history of any neurological symptoms, trauma,...
Case Report A 45-year-old...
01/01/2025
Cath Lab Digest

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