SCAI expert consensus update on best practices in the cardiac catheterization laboratory

Abstract

The current document commissioned by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and endorsed by the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and Heart Rhythm Society represents a comprehensive update to the 2012 and 2016 consensus documents on patient‐centered best practices in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Comprising updates to staffing and credentialing, as well as evidence‐based updates to the pre‐, intra‐, and post‐procedural logistics, clinical standards and patient flow, the document also includes an expanded section on CCL governance, administration, and approach to quality metrics. This update also acknowledges the collaboration with various specialties, including discussion of the heart team approach to management, and working with electrophysiology colleagues in particular. It is hoped that this document will be utilized by hospitals, health systems, as well as regulatory bodies involved in assuring and maintaining quality, safety, efficiency, and cost‐effectiveness of patient throughput in this high volume area.

Distribution of Industry Payments Among Medical Directors of Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratories From the Top 100 US Hospitals

“…We used validated software (Genderize.io [https://genderize.io]) to predict a gender and the probability of gender for an author's first name and used a threshold of 60% to assign gender as has been implemented in previous work. 4 For more information, see eMethods in the Supplement. Because this study analyzed public data, it was exempt from institutional review board…”

Radiation reduction in a modern catheterization laboratory: A single‐center experience

“…With the growth in digital technology, flat panel digital image receptors are being used for image procurement, thereby replacing the old-fashioned image intensifier technology. 18,19 Smaller size, enhancement in spatial resolution, and more sensitivity to X-rays due to a higher detector quantum efficiency contribute to other advantages of the same. 18 Antiscatter grids on the face of the intensifier or detector should almost always be used to reduce radiation scatter from patients to operators and for improving image quality.…”

“…There are several measures that can be undertaken to minimize radiation exposure. With the growth in digital technology, flat panel digital image receptors are being used for image procurement, thereby replacing the old‐fashioned image intensifier technology 18,19 . Smaller size, enhancement in spatial resolution, and more sensitivity to X‐rays due to a higher detector quantum efficiency contribute to other advantages of the same 18 .…”

Reducing Cath Lab’s Carbon Footprint: Is It Time, and Can It Be Done?

“…Recent society documents describing "best practices" in the cath lab mention bleeding avoidance strategies but miss the opportunity to mention the urgent need to consider "footprint-reducing strategies." 10 Similarly, a discussion outlining pathways to "operational efficiencies" in the cath lab can be enhanced by considering best practices with the smallest footprint. 11 In addition to performing life-saving interventions for our patients, we also must prioritize interventions aimed at making all aspects of patient care in the cath lab more sustainable (Figure 1).…”