SCAI 2022 Fellows Courses – Interventional Cardiology Course

Advanced Interventional Cardiology Training for Fellows

Overview

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) Fellows Courses – Interventional Cardiology Course 2022 is one of the premier educational programs designed specifically for fellows-in-training preparing for independent practice in interventional cardiology. SCAI Fellows Courses are dedicated to developing procedural skills, clinical judgment, and evidence-based decision-making through expert-led lectures, case discussions, simulation training, and hands-on education.

The Interventional Cardiology track focuses on contemporary coronary intervention, structural heart disease, peripheral vascular intervention, imaging, physiology, mechanical circulatory support, and management of complex cardiovascular patients. The curriculum is structured to complement fellowship training and provide board-relevant education aligned with modern interventional cardiology practice.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

Physicians

• Interventional Cardiology Fellows
• General Cardiology Fellows
• Early-Career Interventional Cardiologists
• Cardiovascular Medicine Trainees

Healthcare Professionals

• Cath Lab Physicians
• Structural Heart Trainees
• Endovascular Specialists in Training
• Cardiovascular Researchers

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Apply evidence-based strategies for coronary intervention.
• Manage complex PCI cases.
• Utilize intravascular imaging effectively.
• Interpret coronary physiology studies.
• Recognize and manage cardiogenic shock.
• Select appropriate mechanical circulatory support devices.
• Perform structural and peripheral intervention planning.
• Prevent and manage procedural complications.
• Improve clinical decision-making in high-risk patients.

Core Educational Topics

Coronary Intervention (PCI)

A major focus of the course is contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Topics Include

• Stable Coronary Disease
• Acute Coronary Syndromes
• STEMI Management
• NSTEMI Management
• High-Risk PCI
• Complete Revascularization

Participants learn modern approaches to coronary intervention and patient selection.

Complex Coronary Lesions

Dedicated sessions review treatment of challenging anatomy.

Covered Areas

• Left Main Disease
• Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO)
• Bifurcation Lesions
• Calcified Coronary Disease
• Bypass Graft Intervention

These topics are central to contemporary interventional practice.

Coronary Imaging

The curriculum emphasizes image-guided intervention.

Topics Include

• Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
• Plaque Characterization
• Stent Optimization
• Imaging-Guided PCI

Imaging has become an essential component of modern PCI.

Coronary Physiology

Physiology-guided revascularization is reviewed extensively.

Covered Topics

• Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)
• Coronary Functional Testing
• Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction
• Ischemia Assessment
• Physiology-Guided PCI

Participants learn when and how physiology can improve outcomes.

Cardiogenic Shock

Management of critically ill cardiovascular patients is a major component.

Topics Include

• Shock Recognition
• Hemodynamic Assessment
• Escalation Strategies
• Shock Team Models
• Advanced Support Pathways

Specialized sessions focus on improving outcomes in shock patients.

Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS)

Participants review advanced support technologies.

Covered Areas

• Impella
• Temporary MCS
• Support Device Selection
• Escalation Algorithms
• High-Risk PCI Support

Mechanical support has become increasingly important in interventional cardiology.

Structural Heart Disease

The course introduces fellows to structural interventions.

Topics Include

• TAVR Fundamentals
• Structural Imaging
• Valve Therapies
• Patient Selection
• Procedural Planning

Peripheral Vascular Intervention

Participants receive exposure to peripheral and endovascular therapies.

Covered Topics

• Aortoiliac Disease
• Infrainguinal Intervention
• Below-the-Knee Revascularization
• Deep Venous Intervention
• Pulmonary Embolism Intervention

These sessions broaden the fellow’s endovascular skillset.

Cath Lab Essentials

Practical training focuses on daily cath lab practice.

Topics Include

• Equipment Selection
• Wires and Catheters
• Access Techniques
• Procedural Planning
• Complication Avoidance

Procedural Complications

Specialized instruction addresses difficult scenarios.

Covered Areas

• Cath Lab Disasters
• Bailout Strategies
• Emergency Management
• Complication Prevention
• Case-Based Learning

Real-world cases help fellows prepare for independent practice.

Career Development

SCAI places emphasis on professional growth.

Topics Include

• Transition to Independent Practice
• Career Planning
• Professional Development
• Leadership Skills
• Wellness and Burnout Prevention

Why This Course Stands Out

Fellowship-Focused Education

Specifically designed for fellows preparing for independent interventional practice.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Covers:

• Coronary Intervention
• Structural Heart Disease
• Peripheral Vascular Intervention
• Imaging
• Physiology
• Cardiogenic Shock

Expert Faculty

Taught by internationally recognized leaders in interventional cardiology.

Board-Relevant Content

Provides structured learning aligned with fellowship milestones and examination preparation.