Consensus of National Heart Center and the Saudi Arabian Cardiac Interventional Society on the Current Landscape of the Management of Intracoronary Calcification in Saudi Arabia

J Saudi Heart Assoc. 2024 Aug 1;36(2):158-173. doi: 10.37616/2212-5043.1385. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to develop a streamlined algorithm for the management of intracoronary calcification that includes guidance on intracoronary imaging and the appropriate selection of atherectomy devices.

Methods: National experts representing both the National Heart Center (NHC) and the Saudi Arabian Cardiac Interventional Society (SACIS) met to develop a consensus document on the assessment and management of intracoronary calcification in Saudi Arabia. The nominal group technique was utilized; a number of statements on the assessment and management of coronary artery calcification were developed based on a systematic review of the literature. The authors discussed the developed statements until a consensus was reached.

Results: Twenty statements were discussed and agreed upon. Invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities in the assessment of coronary artery calcification, and management of intracoronary calcification using calcium ablation techniques, excimer laser coronary atherectomy, ballon-based techniques, and shockwave lithotripsy; were all thoroughly discussed in light of scientific evidence and the experts' clinical practice.

Conclusions: We present a national consensus on the assessment and the multifaceted management of intracoronary calcification in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: Atherectomy; Intracoronary calcification; Major adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Grants and funding

The authors retained the editorial process, including the discussion, at all times. There was no financial reward associated with writing the paper. The medical writing and editorial activities of the present document were provided by Dr. Ahmed Elgebaly from Advocacy for Pharmaceutical Consultancy Co. and funded by Boston Scientific Co. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. All authors meet the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) authorship criteria and approve the final version of the manuscript