WASHINGTON —The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) has released the second video in its "Pioneers of Interventional Cardiology" series, delving into the development and impact of one of the most transformative advancements in cardiology: primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.
This latest installment, "Primary PCI: A Journey Through Innovation," features renowned cardiologists Dr. William W. O'Neill, MD, MSCAI, and Dr. Cindy L. Grines, MD, MSCAI, whose groundbreaking work was instrumental in the development and success of primary PCI.
“One of the most monumental developments in interventional cardiology is primary PCI. This discussion takes us through the cutting-edge of development of primary PCI, not just the final statistical results but also our thinking and rationale. We cover the whole spectrum of this amazing development and the grit that it took to advocate for it,” said Dr. Timothy D. Henry, MD, MSCAI (SCAI president 2021-22), who moderated the discussion.
In the full discussion, available online, Drs. O'Neill and Grines shared their personal journeys and the challenges they faced while advocating for primary PCI.
“My journey began when I witnessed my father's heart attack in 1967. That ignited my passion for cardiology, and by 1980 I was involved in the first intracoronary streptokinase trial. The evolution of thrombolytic therapy and the breakthroughs we've achieved have been nothing short of remarkable,” Dr. O’Neill said. “Seeing the impact of primary PCI on patient outcomes has been incredibly rewarding.”
Dr. Grines highlighted the importance of perseverance in the face of years of criticism: "Advocating for primary angioplasty was challenging, but well-designed trials helped us address criticisms and establish it as a standard treatment. The success of the Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI) trial helped to change the management of STEMI patients worldwide and was pivotal in improving patient care."
SCAI’s "Pioneers in Interventional Cardiology" aims to celebrate the achievements of trailblazers in interventional cardiology and inspire the next generation of cardiologists. By documenting the history and advancements in the field, SCAI hopes to provide valuable educational resources and foster a deeper understanding of the impact of interventional cardiology on patient care. Each video features interviews with leading experts, historical perspectives, and discussions on the latest research and clinical practices.
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