• Recent News Releases

    May 10, 2013

    SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions Hildner Lecture Tackles Lag in U.S. Medical Device Innovation

    For the first time in the history of interventional cardiology, some of the most exciting advances in the specialty are taking place outside the United States, creating an innovation crisis that, left unaddressed, may negatively affect patient care. In the annual Hildner Lecture at the SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions, internationally respected researcher and physician Jeffrey J. Popma, M.D., FSCAI, will discuss the role of the U.S. regulatory process in interventional cardiology device innovation and kick-start conversation on how to regain America’s leadership in advancing the specialty.
    May 10, 2013

    Dr. Ted Bass Inducted as SCAI 2013-14 President

    Today Ted A. Bass, M.D., FSCAI, announced that the focus of his term as the 36th President of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions will be to expand SCAI’s commitment to quality improvement in invasive and interventional cardiology. Dr. Bass was inducted at the SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions, where he led a Town Hall-style discussion among attendees about the opportunities and challenges facing the specialty.
    May 09, 2013

    SCAI 2013: Hypothermic Treatment Improves Survival for Younger Sufferers of Cardiac Arrest

    For patients under the age of 65 who have just suffered cardiac arrest and have dangerously low blood circulation to vital organs, one of the best treatments for protecting the body from resulting long-term damage is simple – put them on ice. Due to fewer age-related diseases, younger people fare significantly better with the chilling but potentially life-saving intervention, according to researchers presenting today at the SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions.
    May 09, 2013

    SCAI 2013: Preliminary Data from Hospitals With Cath Lab Accreditation Suggests Multiple Benefits

    Cardiac catheterization laboratories that undergo review by Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence (ACE) show significant improvement in several metrics associated with improved quality of care outcomes, according to a study presented today at the SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions.
    May 09, 2013

    SCAI 2013: Borderline Coronary Blockages May Be Higher-Risk Than Assumed

    Interventional cardiologists often rely on a test known as fractional flow reserve (FFR) to identify which coronary blockages need to be treated with stenting or bypass surgery, and which can be left alone. However, when such treatment is deferred because of a borderline FFR result, patients are far more likely to eventually need a coronary procedure than if the FFR result is clearly normal, according to a study presented today at the SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions.
    May 09, 2013

    SCAI 2013: VERITAS Trial Confirms Safety of Live Transmission of Aortic Valve Replacement Cases

    Live demonstration, transmission or recording of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been found feasible and safe, even for the typically high-risk patients who undergo the procedure. Results of the VERITAS late-breaking clinical trial, presented today at the SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions, confirmed via comparison of on- and off-camera case studies that recording procedures did not pose any additional risk or complications to patients.
    May 09, 2013

    SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions Founders’ Lecture Challenges Interventional Cardiologists to Unsparing Self-Reflection

    Sometimes, the most effective way to tackle a serious subject is with a light touch. In delivering the Founders’ Lecture at the SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions, George W. Vetrovec, M.D., FSCAI, will challenge interventional cardiologists to examine where their profession stands and where it needs to go – but he will do it using a technique made famous by comedian David Letterman, the Top Ten list. Attendees – including interventional cardiologists from all of over world – will hear a message that is both positive and provocative, said Dr. Vetrovec. “I hope audience members go away with the sense that we need to be very introspective,” he said. “We need to think about what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, what the consequences of our actions are and how to keep moving forward in a positive way.”
    May 09, 2013

    SCAI 2013 Mullins Lecture Calls for New Era in Pediatric Interventional Cardiology Training

    The impact of pediatric interventional cardiology has never been stronger, nor the need for organized, high-quality training greater, says Frank F. Ing, M.D., FSCAI, who will deliver the annual Mullins Lecture at the SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions. He intends to make the case that advances in technology and growth in the profession mean that now is the time to take training to the next level.
    May 09, 2013

    SCAI 2013: Results of POSEIDON Suggest Novel Hydration Regimen Reduces Renal Complications in Patients Undergoing Image-Guided Cardiovascular Procedures

    A new method of dynamic, personalized intravenous hydration significantly reduces the percentage of contrast-induced kidney injury from image-guided cardiovascular procedures, according to the results of the POSEIDON trial presented as a late-breaking clinical trial today at the SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions.
    May 09, 2013

    CREST Sub-Study Finds Balloon Angioplasty After Carotid Stenting Reduces Risk of Repeat Blockage

    For patients who received stents to restore blood flow through the main arteries supplying blood to the brain, inflating a tiny balloon inside the arteries after implantation of the stent reduced restenosis, or repeat blockages, of the treated arteries, making them less likely to reclose. Modifying the order in which carotid stenting and balloon angioplasty is performed could also alter risk of stroke complications, according to the investigators of the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial (CREST) sub-study to be presented today at the SCAI 2013 Scientific Sessions.