The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is set to host its much-anticipated annual Scientific Sessions from May 1 to May 3, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This premier event will assemble nearly 2,000 global leaders in interventional cardiology and endovascular medicine, offering a deep dive into innovative cardiovascular care, novel research, and emerging clinical practices. As cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, the conference underscores the urgency to advance treatment methodologies, expand healthcare accessibility, and bridge persistent gaps in education and prevention strategies.
SCAI Scientific Sessions 2025 distinguishes itself with an extensive program featuring over 500 expert faculty members, 700 poster presentations, and 86 oral abstracts, highlighted by more than 30 live case demonstrations. This comprehensive setup is designed to foster dynamic dialogue among clinicians, researchers, and innovators, driving forward evidence-based approaches in interventional cardiology. Core sessions will feature breakthroughs in diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, and utilize cutting-edge technology to refine cardiovascular patient management across diverse populations.
The event will prominently feature discussions on Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), a cornerstone procedure in revascularization therapies. PCI, a catheter-based technique aimed at relieving artery blockages within the coronary circulation, is performed nearly one million times annually in the United States alone. Presentations will introduce novel clinical data from the FAVOR III trial, which compares Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) and angiography for physiological guidance in PCI. These findings are expected to refine risk stratification techniques and optimize procedural outcomes, potentially reshaping clinical guidelines within cardiology practice.
Occupational safety in the catheterization laboratory will also be a crucial topic at the meeting. Traditional lead aprons, worn to shield operators from ionizing radiation, can inadvertently contribute to musculoskeletal injuries, particularly chronic back pain. Presentations will reveal research from the ERGO-CATH Study evaluating innovative lead-less or reduced-lead protective solutions. These advancements aim to enhance operator well-being while maintaining radiation safety, a significant development considering the demanding physical environment of interventional cardiology suites.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), an increasingly adopted minimally invasive alternative to surgical valve replacement, will receive considerable focus. As a therapeutic option for aortic stenosis, TAVR helps alleviate symptoms such as dyspnea and angina by implanting an artificial valve via catheterization. Recent data highlight over 100,000 TAVR procedures performed in the U.S. in 2023 alone. Sessions will explore age-related effects on procedural timing, antiplatelet therapy post-TAVR, and gender-based disparities in prosthesis-patient mismatch, providing granular insight into patient-centric care optimization and procedural efficacy.
A highlight of this year’s conference is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) within interventional cardiology. These technologies promise to elevate diagnostic accuracy, procedural planning, and post-intervention monitoring through data-driven decision support systems. Attendees will be introduced to early adoption experiences, algorithm validation studies, and AI-powered imaging modalities, all of which signify a monumental shift toward precision medicine in cardiovascular interventions.
The well-being of the cardiovascular healthcare team also takes center stage, reflecting a growing awareness of occupational stress, radiation exposure, and ergonomic challenges faced daily by clinicians. Program elements dedicated to mental health support, radiation safety, and cath lab ergonomics underscore SCAI’s commitment to sustaining a healthy workforce capable of delivering high-quality patient care under demanding conditions.
Importantly, the Scientific Sessions will offer immersive, hands-on learning labs, live case transmissions, and interactive workshops. These educational opportunities provide attendees with practical skills in complex procedures, real-time problem solving, and navigation through evolving clinical protocols. By reinforcing the connection between research findings and clinical application, SCAI aims to accelerate knowledge transfer and enhance patient outcomes internationally.
The conference also underscores the significance of global collaboration. With expanded international participation, this year’s agenda reflects a concerted effort to harmonize standards and share innovations across borders. Such synergy is essential given the worldwide prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the need for adaptive solutions that are sensitive to diverse healthcare systems and patient demographics.
SCAI President James B. Hermiller, MD, MSCAI, emphasizes that the momentum captured in this edition of Scientific Sessions is unparalleled, fueled by record abstract submissions and an agenda that bridges clinical care, innovation, and career development. The breadth of the program ensures relevance for cardiologists, research scientists, educators, and trainees alike, ultimately advancing the collective mission to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease.
In addition to the technical content, attendees and followers are encouraged to engage with real-time updates and discussions through social media channels using #SCAI2025. This digital presence extends the reach of the conference, fostering continuous knowledge exchange beyond the physical venue. Interviews with key opinion leaders, early access to research abstracts, and expert commentary will enhance the conference’s impact and visibility throughout the cardiovascular community.
The SCAI Scientific Sessions continue to affirm the Society’s role as a leading advocate and educator within invasive and interventional cardiology. Established in 1978, SCAI has grown into a global community of over 5,000 members committed to professional excellence, innovation, and high standards of patient care. The 2025 Scientific Sessions epitomize this mission, delivering a rigorous, forward-thinking forum that harnesses the latest science to shape the future of cardiovascular treatment worldwide.
Subject of Research: Advances in Interventional Cardiology and Endovascular Medicine
Article Title: SCAI Scientific Sessions 2025: Pioneering Innovations in Cardiovascular Care and Operator Safety
News Publication Date: Not specified
Web References:
- https://scai.org/scai-2025-scientific-sessions
- https://scai.org/
Image Credits: Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions
Keywords: Clinical research, interventional cardiology, PCI, TAVR, artificial intelligence, machine learning, operator safety, cardiovascular innovations
