Society for Cardiovascular Angiography Interventions (SCAI)

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) represents interventional cardiology through education, advocacy, research, setting guidelines and quality patient care. SCAI provides thought leadership in cath lab procedures, new technology and policy.

Black, rural and low-income PAD patients are less likely to receive high-quality care
"This research should be a call to health systems, policymakers and other stakeholders to make it easier for patients—especially the most vulnerable patients—to access PAD-specific care," one cardiologist explained.
SCAI president reviews achievements in interventional cardiology in 2024
SCAI President James Hermiller, MD, recently outlined the key achievements for 2024, including creation of the first interventional cardiology match program, successful advocacy and efforts to increase women in the field.
Industry concerns over paclitaxel-coated devices may have put PAD patients at risk
Back in 2019, the FDA issued a warning about the use of paclitaxel-coated devices when treating peripheral artery disease. The agency took back that warning in 2023, but it appears to have made a significant impact on patient care.
Contrast injections during angiography, PCI unlikely to cause coronary injuries
The pressure changes associated with contrast injections are minimal, researchers noted, especially once you move away from the tip of the catheter.
Charles E. Mullins remembered as a pioneer of interventional pediatric cardiology
Charles E. Mullins, MD, a U.S. Army veteran who went on to practice medicine for five decades, died at the age of 92. SCAI shared a loving tribute to Mullins, calling him the "father of modern interventional pediatric cardiology."

SCAI President Sunil Rao, MD, explains the 2022-2023 SCAI accomplishments to improve interventional cardiology.

SCAI President Sunil Rao on how the society is helping advance interventional cardiology

Rao spoke with Cardiovascular Business at ACC.23 to detail some of SCAI's biggest accomplishments from the last year.

Images from the consensus document showing the proper left atrial appendage (LAA) sizing assessment for a transcatheter occluder device using transesophageal echo (TEE). Sizing and evaluation for pre-existing thrombus in the LAA also can be performed using cardiac CT.

SCAI and HRS release expert consensus on transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion

One of the new recommendations is to conduct baseline imaging with TEE or cardiac CT.

Cardiologists warn Biden administration that new policies could put PAD patients at risk

SCAI and the Association of Black Cardiologists have joined forces to share a simple message: PAD patients would be negatively impacted by new CMS proposals.

New ACC/AHA/SCAI guidance highlights training requirements for interventional cardiologists

The document, which was designed to help guide both interventional cardiology trainees and program directors, was also endorsed by several other industry societies.

Coronary IVL now recommended at all cath labs, even those without surgical backup

The latest SCAI guidance on the safety of PCI procedures included a key change that could expand coronary IVL utilization throughout the United States.

Interventional cardiologists can safely perform PCI without on-site surgical backup

The finding comes from a new expert consensus statement published by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. Several industry societies, including the ACC and AHA, have endorsed the document.

How intravascular lithotripsy can improve TMVR outcomes

The IVL technology developed by Shockwave Medical helped clinicians treat a TMVR patient who had previously undergone TAVR. Could this be a common use of IVL in the future?

The fight continues: Cardiologists turn up heat on Congress to stop Medicare payment cuts

Dozens of medical societies have signed a new letter urging Congress to stop upcoming Medicare payment cuts. “The Medicare payment system remains on an unsustainable path threatening beneficiaries’ access to physicians," they wrote.

Around the web

Radiology Business

Key takeaways from RSNA 2024 for AI, CT, MRI and the radiology staffing shortage

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Health Imaging

Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography Interventions (SCAI)

Black, rural and low-income PAD patients are less likely to receive high-quality care

SCAI president reviews achievements in interventional cardiology in 2024

Industry concerns over paclitaxel-coated devices may have put PAD patients at risk

Contrast injections during angiography, PCI unlikely to cause coronary injuries

Charles E. Mullins remembered as a pioneer of interventional pediatric cardiology

Around the web