SCAI Publishes Expert Consensus Statement on Managing Patients with STEMI

Oct. 7, 2024 — The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) recently announced the publication of the Expert Consensus Statement on the Management of Patients with STEMI Referred for Primary PCI.

Published in JSCAI, the consensus statement provides detailed suggestions for clinicians, particularly for nuanced situations not covered by general guidelines. It highlights the strengths and limitations of various diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for treating patients with STEMI, provides an overview of managing large thrombus burden and no reflow, and outlines best practices in managing STEMI across anatomical and clinical circumstances.  

“This document represents a collective effort to refine and advance the standards of care in STEMI management. By following these consensus statements, we can enhance the quality of care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of STEMI patients. This expert consensus statement will help interventional cardiologists make informed decisions and provide the best possible care in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. We are confident that the STEMI Consensus Statement will serve as a valuable resource for clinicians around the world,” said Dr. Jacqueline Tamis-Holland, MD, FSCAI, chair of the project and an interventional cardiologist as well as Institute Director for Acute Coronary Care at Cleveland Clinic. 

Developed using a consensus process that drew from diverse viewpoints within the interventional cardiology community, the STEMI Expert Consensus Statement is the culmination of extensive collaboration among leading cardiologists, interventionalists, and researchers. It synthesizes the latest evidence-based practices and provides comprehensive suggestions to enhance patient care and outcomes. The document addresses key aspects of STEMI management, including early diagnosis, reperfusion strategies, and post-procedural care. 

The STEMI Expert Consensus Statement introduces several innovative insights and recommendations that have the potential to transform current practice. One of the key highlights is the emphasis on early and accurate diagnosis of STEMI and the need to rapidly diagnose patients with suspected STEMI so that emergency angiography can be performed. At the same time, it emphasizes the unique situations in which additional diagnostic testing may be needed.  

Click here to access the statement on the SCAI website.

Additional information is available at www.scai.org.