WASHINGTON – Many of the world’s leading interventional cardiologists and cardiovascular professionals will convene in San Diego, Calif., April 25-28, 2018, for the SCAI 2018 Scientific Sessions.  The annual event will attract nearly 2,000 leading interventionalists and cardiovascular professionals from across the globe for a dynamic four-day program featuring 12 live cases, late-breaking clinical science, case reviews, abstract presentations, and interactive workshops.

A key component of this international meeting is the SCAI Lecture Series, which will feature renowned speakers who will challenge current thinking in the field and inspire the next generation of interventional cardiologists.

Hildner Lecture: “A Pivotal Time for Interventional Cardiology”
Wednesday, April 25, 2018, 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. PT
Anthony N. DeMaria, MD

Since its inception by Andreas Gruentzig, interventional cardiology has been a wonder of innovation and conveyed enormous benefits to patients with coronary and structural heart disease. However, several recent trials have raised questions regarding the prognostic and even symptomatic benefit of coronary interventions in patients with stable angina. As technological advances continue to be pursued, it will be essential to take stock of pathophysiology, and to conduct rigorous studies to define those individuals with stable angina most likely to benefit from an intervention. Additionally, therapies for structural lesions are expanding dramatically along with approaches to address mitral and tricuspid valve disorders. Dr. Anthony DeMaria will discuss how new research developments and structural innovations will change the face of interventional cardiology forever more.

Founder’s Lecture: “Ongoing Scrutiny: Evidence-Based Science in Interventional Cardiology”
Thursday, April 26, 2018, 8:00–8:30 a.m. PT
Roxanna Mehran, MD, MSCAI

Interventional cardiology, as a medical specialty, has faced intense scrutiny from its origin that continues through present day. From early studies in angioplasty and balloons to more recent trials involving 20,000 patients at a time, practitioners face extensive professional and public scrutiny and a demand for ever-increasing precision in how they treat their patients. Approval processes for devices and medications follow clinical trials, but it is the practitioners’ post-market surveillance that defines their clinical practices and treatment strategies. Dr. Roxana Mehran will take us on a 40-year journey of medical scrutiny with a unique presentation that promises a few twists and turns ¾ and even some surprises.

Mullins Lecture: “Celebrating Women Who Paved the Way to Pediatric Cardiology Today”
Thursday, April 26, 2018, 1:30-2:00 p.m. PT
Jacqueline Kreutzer, MD, FSCAI

The field of pediatric cardiology has evolved with tremendous contributions by female physicians who played an integral role in the evolution of the specialty. Dr. Jacqueline Kreutzer will review and highlight the pivotal roles played by female physicians and the innovations and contributions they have made to the field of pediatric cardiology ¾ enriching patient care, saving countless lives, and impacting the way we practice medicine today.

Note to editors: For media registration or to arrange an interview with the lecturers, please contact Kimberly Brown at [email protected] or 202-644-8561.

For the most up to date program information, please visit www.scai.org/SCAI2018. Join the conversation online by using the official meeting hashtag, #SCAI2018, and follow SCAI on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.