The Society for Cardiology and Angiography Interventions (SCAI) has set up a dedicated section on its website to keep interventional cardiologists up to date on practice and safety measures required for interventional practice in COVID-19. The society has also cancelled its 2020 Scientific Sessions, scheduled to take place in Atlanta, USA on 13–16 May.
A letter from SCAI president Ehtisham Mahmud (University of California, San Diego, USA) outlines details of the developments, which also include the appointment of SCAI vice-president Timothy D Henry (Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education, Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, USA) to oversee a SCAI Research Taskforce pertaining to COVID-19 and its effects on cardiovascular outcomes.
Mahmud said: “We are making every effort to investigate the cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 and bring updated information to our members as it becomes available from around the country.”
Plans to provide virtual content online or via live broadcast from the Scientific Sessions are currently being developed by SCAI. The society has also indicated that full refunds will be available for those already registered for SCAI 2020 Scientific Sessions.
Mahmud expressed solidarity with physicians, nurses, and allied health care professionals in the emergency departments, intensive care units, and inpatient wards “who are on the frontlines, addressing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic”. He added: “We in the interventional and invasive cardiology world are immensely grateful for their efforts and are here to offer support and help.”
