EuroPCR 2026, led by course director Thomas Cuisset, will pivot toward addressing complications-prevention and management-as its central theme. The meeting introduces three major novelties: a dedicated chronic total occlusion (CTO) track, a ‘Calcium Skills Lab’ for integrative calcified lesion management, and a pre-meeting physiology course integrated into EuroPCR Week.
On the TAVI-coronary artery disease front, Cuisset notes growing reassurance: recent ACC data confirms routine PCI before TAVI offers limited benefit and may increase bleeding risk. The field is moving toward more selective revascularization.
In antithrombotic therapy, Cuisset highlights de-escalation strategies-starting potent dual antiplatelet therapy post-PCI for acute coronary syndrome, then reducing intensity after 1-6 weeks-to balance ischaemic protection and bleeding risk.
Biggest unmet needs: advancing non-invasive diagnostics (coronary CT and CT-based physiology) to limit cath lab use to treatment, and better, predictable devices for mitral and tricuspid valve disease.
Cuisset sums up: “EuroPCR is the link between education and patient outcomes, through continuous physician development.”