LUMEN (www.lumenami.com), a meeting focusing on both the STEMI process and procedure, took place February 24-26 in Miami, Florida.

Transradial access, left ventricular support devices, and cell therapy are the most cutting-edge developments in the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) today, emphasized LUMEN course director Dr. Sameer Mehta in his opening remarks. Over 200 LUMEN attendees experienced a full day of transradial access education, and reports on left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and cell therapy research by leading physicians, allowing for in-depth immersion in these topics.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as a viable treatment option for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. Data show that PCI is particularly safe and effective in low-risk patients, especially in those with angiographically favorable lesions.^1,2 The 2009 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA)/Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) focused PCI guidelines state that LMCA stenting can be considered in patients with anatomic conditions that are associated with a low risk of procedural complications and clinical characteristics that may increase the risk of adverse surgical outcomes (class IIb).³

Although contrast venography is the standard imaging method for vena cava filter insertion, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a safe and effective alternative that allows for bedside placement options, and is especially advantageous for critically ill patients.^1–9 Depending on the clinical situation and the filter type used, either a single- or dual-puncture technique can be employed. Feasibility of one technique over the other depends on understanding filter design and delivery catheter features. The following will describe the essential steps for IVUS-guided vena cava filter placement, including preprocedural imaging, single access, and dual-access techniques. A proposed clinical decision algorithm for IVUS-guided vena cava placement, established according to evidence-based guidelines, will be reviewed.

A Letter from the SICP Director:

Register Today! The SICP Annual Meeting is July 28-30, 2011, in Boston, Massachusetts

Registration is open and available online at www.sicp.com. Please make your plans to participate in this much-anticipated meeting. Topics include: Exploration of New Techniques, Case Studies and Student Abstracts, Skills & Lab, Wet Lab, Structural Heart Repair, as well as the SICP’s RCIS Signature Review Course. Along with the Educators Committee breakout session (see below), we hope to have a Manager’s Retreat breakout session. We continue to value member input, so if you would like to participate, please contact us at membership@sicp.com.