SCAI Seeks Public Comments on Draft Position Statement on Best Practices for Transaxillary Access Procedures

June 25, 2021—The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is seeking comments on the “SCAI Position Statement on Best Practices for Percutaneous Transaxillary Arterial Access and Training.” Anyone may submit comments including SCAI members and nonmember physicians and health care professionals, patients, caregivers, researchers, industry stakeholders, and payers.

Arnold H. Seto, MD, is Chair of the committee that drafted the statement. Development of the statement is sponsored by SCAI in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology, Heart Failure Society of America, Society for Interventional Radiology, Society for Vascular Surgery, and Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Society.

As noted in the SCAI announcement, large-bore endovascular devices for the treatment of a variety of cardiac and aortic pathologies have become commonplace in modern cardiovascular disease management. This document aims to review the anatomic considerations and risks for percutaneous axillary artery access; suggest best practices for access techniques, hemostasis/closure strategies, and complication management; and recommend options for training and privileging.

The document and commentary function are available at the SCAI website online here. Comments should be provided by Friday, July 23.

SCAI advised that at the end of a 30-day comment period, the writing group will review the feedback received and may revise the statement in response. Comments may also inform SCAI’s communication and implementation plan and future updates of the material. Individuals or organizations that provide comments will not typically be identified by name within the final published guidelines.