This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
The Promise of Atherectomy for Cardiac and Peripheral Procedures
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
In this issue of Cardiology Today’s Intervention, we have a packed issue with a lot of great content. The Cover Story focuses on atherectomy, which seems to be making a comeback in many respects. The recognition that adequate lesion preparation may enhance outcomes with drug-eluting stents has led to a resurgence of coronary atherectomy in patients. As well, this likely reflects the more complex lesions that are landing in the catheterization lab these days, with highly calcified lesions much more prevalent now than a decade ago. In addition, atherectomy in the peripheral setting has been growing and further refinement of the technologies and techniques for atherectomy should ensure continued growth in these procedures. Having said that, it would still be nice to get grade A-level evidence of the incremental value of atherectomy vs. standard approaches to PCI, and hopefully such data will ultimately arrive.
Also in the May/June issue, we feature important perspectives from a number of thought leaders in the field. William W. O’Neill, MD, FACC, MSCAI, and colleagues describe how to build a cardiogenic shock team — something that should be part of every major medical center at this point in time. He and his team provide several practical pointers to establish a thriving shock program. In addition, Christopher J. White, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA, FESC, FACP, provides his important views on critical limb ischemia and flaws in the management of that important and undertreated disease entity.
We also have a number of experts providing a recap of top takeaways from both the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session and the International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy. We hope that for those of you who could not attend these two exciting meetings in person that these summaries and opinions from key leaders allow you to get a taste of the excitement of being there.
Let us know your thoughts on these issues by commenting on Healio.com/Intervention or emailing the Editors at intervention@healio.com.
– Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH
Chief Medical Editor
Cardiology Today’s Intervention