Interventional Cardiology

The field of interventional cardiology has been characterized by innovation and technological progress in recent years. Clinicians, in partnership with specialists in molecular biology, biomedical engineering, biophysics and imaging technology, have raised the profile of interventional cardiology to the extent that it is now one of the most vibrant and dynamic subspecialties in mainstream medical practice. As the field matures, the range of opportunities and applications continues to broaden, and there is an increasing need to focus not only on the effectiveness of treatment, but on safety issues; for example drug-eluting stent thrombosis. Given the integrated nature of this evolving field we can expect growing emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach, and, further ahead, there are tantalizing prospects in the emerging technologies from stem cell research and regenerative medicine.