Why It Matters
The summit accelerates the diffusion of cutting‑edge techniques and AI tools among the next generation of interventional cardiologists, shaping future standards of care across Europe.
Key Takeaways
- •First European EAPCI Summit held in Munich, Feb 19‑20
- •AI in cardiovascular interventions highlighted with leading experts
- •Over 300 abstracts and case studies presented
- •Hands‑on training targets young interventional cardiologists
- •Multi‑society collaborations address cath lab challenges
Pulse Analysis
The European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) is launching its first-ever summit in Munich, marking a pivotal moment for interventional cardiology education in Europe. By gathering more than 300 abstracts, case studies, and expert speakers, the two‑day event creates a concentrated forum for knowledge exchange, especially for the association’s young professionals who comprise roughly half its membership. The summit’s format—mixing guideline discussions, simulator‑based workshops, and soft‑skill sessions—reflects a broader industry shift toward holistic training that blends technical mastery with leadership and research acumen.
A standout feature of the program is the dedicated artificial intelligence track, led by renowned clinicians Christos Bourantas and Patrick Serruys. Their session will explore AI‑driven imaging analysis, procedural planning, and outcome prediction, underscoring how machine learning is rapidly becoming integral to catheter‑based therapies. This focus aligns with a growing demand for data‑centric decision‑making in cath labs, where AI can enhance precision, reduce complications, and streamline workflow. For early‑career cardiologists, exposure to these tools at the summit provides a competitive edge and prepares them to adopt emerging technologies in their practice.
Beyond AI, the summit showcases extensive collaboration among leading cardiovascular societies, including the ESC Regulatory Affairs Committee, the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions, and the Cardiovascular Research Foundation. These partnerships facilitate cross‑disciplinary dialogue on device regulation, nursing contributions, and complex procedural scenarios such as TAVI in high‑risk patients. By integrating diverse perspectives, the EAPCI Summit not only disseminates best practices but also helps shape policy and standards that will influence interventional cardiology across the continent for years to come.
EAPCI Summit 2026: What to Expect in Munich
The inaugural event, lasting 2 days, features deep dives into technical skills, as well as new data and discussion among peers.
This year marks the first European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) Summit, to be held February 19‑20. I’ll be there in Munich, Germany, to track the news that emerges and follow interventional cardiology’s latest practice trends.
Feel free to reach out to me via email, either ahead of time or on‑site—my favorite part of meetings such as these is getting to engage one‑on‑one with members of the cardiology community. TCTMD Senior Clinical Editor Mamas Mamas, BMBCh, DPhil (Keele University/Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke‑on‑Trent, England), will also be on‑site filming videos for our Beyond the Data series.
Glancing through the program, I’m most excited about a session devoted to artificial intelligence in cardiovascular interventions featuring speakers Christos Bourantas, MD, PhD (St Bartholomew’s Hospital and Queen Mary University, London, England), and Patrick Serruys, MD, PhD (University of Galway, Ireland). Additionally, I plan to check out several sessions on what ingredients make for an ideal cath lab team.
A key goal of the Summit is, of course, education.
“Around half of EAPCI members are young professionals,” Alaide Chieffo, MD (San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy), EAPCI president and program co‑chair, noted in a press release. “To support their development, experts will pass on their knowledge about the fundamental techniques needed by today’s interventional cardiologists in a series of expert lectures, simulator‑based training and hands‑on activities, complemented by soft‑skills workshops on writing papers, applying for funding and leadership.”
A variety of formats are planned over the 2‑day event: “guidelines in practice” discussions, clinical case management across a variety of settings, EAPCI 360° workshops dedicated to interventional strategies, moderated e‑poster presentations, and more. Debates will cover revascularization in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, surgical backup for transcatheter valve interventions, and catheter‑based left atrial appendage occlusion. Over 300 abstracts and clinical cases will be presented in total.
Alongside these events are symposiums dedicated to specific challenges in this space, featuring collaborations between EAPCI and various groups:
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The Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions is delving into how to manage complex patients in the cath lab and detailing the contributions of nurses and allied professionals to valvular heart disease treatment.
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The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Regulatory Affairs Committee will explore the evolving landscape of CV device innovation and regulation.
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The Association for Acute CardioVascular Care will offer insights into the acute care of pulmonary embolism.
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The European Association of Preventive Cardiology is sharing how to manage ACS patients with cardiometabolic syndrome.
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The Cardiovascular Research Foundation is set to educate on TAVI in challenging scenarios.
Additional contributors to the EAPCI Summit sessions are the European Association for Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, the European Heart Rhythm Association, the ESC Working Group on Adult Congenital Heart Disease, and the ESC Council of Cardio‑Oncology.
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