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

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.