Five of the largest U.S. medical societies focused on cardiovascular health are one step closer to seeing their paradigm-shifting proposal become a reality.

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons have both shared statements in support of the ban, which is already being challenged in court. The American Hospital Association, meanwhile, opposes the policy shift, saying it “errs by seeking to create a one-size-fits-all rule”

Interventional cardiologist Foluso Fakorede, MD, opened a practice in rural Mississippi, the epicenter of the PAD and CLI epidemic, to try and reverse the glaring health disparities in that region.

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound. 

Leaders from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Rhythm Society and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions have shared their vision for a new, independent Board of Cardiovascular Medicine.

Kumar Madassery, MD, detailed some of the techniques and tools used to restore blood flow to the foot to help foot wounds heal and prevent amputation.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) leads to more than 400 leg amputations per day in the U.S. Kumar Madassery, MD, discussed the importance of increasing awareness and reaching patients before it is too late. 

President Joe Biden signed a funding bill worth $460 billion on March 9, but it only included partial relief for cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and other cardiology professionals.