"These provisions are contained in what amounts, in many cases, to contracts of adhesion, because a physician’s only choice is to accept the terms of the contract without revision or else forgo employment," the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions wrote to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

SCAI feels this is the best way forward to try lowering mortality rates, but the group is asking cardiologists to help by gathering more data. 

SCAI President Srihari Naidu, MD, detailed some of the challenges interventional cardiologists face as reimbursements keep declining. The group has been building new partnerships with other medical societies to strengthen its influence in Washington. 

As one may expect, patient satisfaction was considerably higher for individuals who did not have to fast for a minimum of six hours prior to treatment. There were no other significant differences.

ICE is gaining momentum as a helpful imaging option during structural heart interventions, according to a new SCAI position statement. TEE and TTE remain incredibly important, but there are times when ICE can provide the guidance necessary.