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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.