image: SCAI Scientific Sessions 2026 & CAIC-ACCI Summit
Credit: Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology
MONTREAL – April 23, 2026 – Findings from the Can Escalation Reduce Acute Myocardial Infarction Mortality in Cardiogenic Shock (CERAMICS) registry demonstrate that early use of a small heart pump improves outcomes in patients experiencing a severe form of heart failure called cardiogenic shock after suffering from a heart attack and undergoing a stenting procedure. Researchers presented this late-breaking data today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2026 Scientific Sessions & Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology (CAIC-ACCI) Summit.
Cardiogenic shock (CS) happens when the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to the body and is a leading cause of in-hospital mortality following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI, or a heart attack). Standard approaches typically include medications, early revascularization with PCI, and mechanical circulatory support devices (MCS). The CERAMICS trial, as a part of the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative (NCSI), was designed to evaluate whether clinical outcomes were better in shock centers that have the capability of on-site MCS escalation.
The CERAMICS study is a single-arm, multi-center study that enrolled 124 patients with CS across 20 hospitals, all of whom had the ability to escalate MCS. All patients were initially treated using a shock protocol emphasizing rapid placement of Impella™ (J&J Medtech), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and invasive monitoring of hemodynamics.
The study found that patients arrived at the hospital in extremely critical condition, with about 40% experiencing cardiac arrest. Nearly nine in ten patients (89%) were having a severe type of heart attack known as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). On average, patients received mechanical heart support within about 76 minutes of arriving at the hospital and had their blocked artery opened within 72 minutes (door-to-balloon time). Despite the severity of illness, most patients (71%) survived hospital discharge, including 78% of those in the SCAI stage C/D (classic/deteriorating) shock and 60% of those in the most severe stage E shock (Extremis).
The CERAMICS registry was the third iteration of the shock initiative, after the Detroit and National Cardiogenic Shock Initiatives. Whereas the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative included 80 sites with varying degrees of MCS escalation and ICU-level care, the CERAMICS study included only sites with MCS escalation capabilities with devices like Impella 5.5 (J&J Medtech) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). When compared to NCSI, patients in CERAMICS were older, more likely to present in Stage E Shock, and were more likely to undergo MCS-escalation (22% vs 10%, p<0.01). When compared to NCSI, patients in CERAMICS had similar overall survival (72% vs 72%) but had improved survival when presenting in Stage E shock (67% vs 50%, p=0.05).
“Early recognition and protocol-driven care are central to improving survival in patients with shock,” said Babar Basir, DO, FSCAI, interventional cardiologist and medical director of the acute MCS program at Henry Ford Health in Detroit. “Most stage C and D shock patients can be successfully treated at local PCI-capable hospitals, ensuring patients get care quickly, close to home. However, the sickest patients benefit from timely transfer to centers with advanced MCS capabilities. After decades of limited progress, it’s encouraging to see this shock-care approach delivering real improvements for patients.”
Researchers note that the next phase of the cardiogenic shock initiative is to expand to global sites that are looking to create cardiogenic shock systems of care.
Session Details:
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Can Escalation Reduce Acute Myocardial Infarction Mortality in Cardiogenic Shock (CERAMICS)
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Thursday, April 23; 2:14-2:21 PM ET
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Palais des Congrès de Montréal, 511def (5th Level)
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About Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI)
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, established in 1978, stands as the primary nonprofit medical society dedicated to representing invasive and interventional cardiology. SCAI's mission is to guide the global interventional cardiovascular community by fostering education, advocacy, research, and upholding standards for quality patient care. For more than 40 years, SCAI has exemplified professional excellence and innovation worldwide, cultivating a reputable community of over 5,000 members committed to advancing medical science and providing life-saving care for individuals, both adults and children, affected by cardiovascular disease.
For more information about the SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions, visit https://www.scai.org/education-and-events/events-schedule/scai-2026-scientific-sessions-caic-acci-summit. Follow @SCAI on X for the latest heart health news and use #SCAI2026 to follow the latest discussions.