Bipartisan members of congress relaunch Congressional Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Caucus with event that brings together lawmakers, medical experts, and patient advocates to address critical gap i

(Press-News.org) WASHINGTON—The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the leading nonprofit medical society representing invasive and interventional cardiology, is proud to participate in the relaunch of the Congressional Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Caucus, organized by the PAD Pulse Alliance and hosted by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL).

The bipartisan event brought together physicians, patient advocates, and lawmakers to discuss current research and data, treatment, and urgent policy solutions for PAD, a disease affecting over 10 million Americans. The event featured members of the PAD Alliance, a coalition of leading medical societies working to address PAD: the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society (OEIS), Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), and the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC).

Patient advocates, including former Harlem Globetrotter Larry “Shorty” Coleman, spoke about their personal experience navigating the life-altering disease. 

“Thank God I have the strength, I have people to encourage me,” said Coleman, who lost a leg to complications from PAD. “Many others have to say, ‘I will get out of this chair and walk from here.’ If not, your chair will become just like a casket. I advise you to go walking.”

Bipartisan Congressional Leaders Drive Policy Solutions  The relaunched Congressional PAD Caucus will focus on legislative priorities, including:

Expanding Medicare coverage for PAD screening in high-risk populations to encourage timely diagnosis and treatment  Educate Congress and communities about PAD while supporting legislative activities to improve PAD research, education, and treatment  Reduce unnecessary, traumatic PAD-related amputations  Increasing federal funding for PAD awareness and advanced research into prevention and treatment options  “For many patients, particularly seniors and individuals with diabetes, PAD can quietly progress until the consequences are devastating. Too often, the first diagnosis comes only after severe complications, including, unfortunately, limb loss. That is unacceptable as far as I'm concerned, especially when early detection and appropriate care can make such a meaningful difference,” said Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). “As we relaunch the PAD Caucus today, our goal is to renew our commitment to bipartisan collaboration and practical solutions. This cause is not about politics; it's about people. It's about ensuring patients have access to timely diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and innovative therapies. It's about supporting research that advances our understanding of PAD and improves outcomes. And it is about raising awareness, both here in Congress and in communities across the country, so fewer Americans suffer needlessly from a preventable condition.” 

“This month, we recognize Heart Health Month, but it isn’t just a calendar reminder. When we talk about heart health, I think we don't pay special attention to the diseases that lead up to it,” said Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “This is just the beginning. And I have to say that because once people understand how amputations happen, the prevention that's necessary, and what we're doing here today, I can't imagine members of Congress not signing on, and I can't imagine people in the community not actually championing it. We look forward to continuing to do this work. Thank you for being here and leading this initiative, and thank you for inspiring us.” 

Peripheral artery disease affects millions of Americans, yet it is often underdiagnosed, undertreated, and misunderstood. Left untreated, PAD can lead to chronic pain, non-healing wounds, limb amputation, heart attack, and stroke. The disease disproportionately affects underserved communities, yet screening rates remain dangerously low even among high-risk populations, and nearly 70 percent of those living with PAD do not know they have it. 

“As interventional cardiologists, we see firsthand the devastating consequences when PAD goes undiagnosed or untreated. Patients lose mobility, independence, and even their limbs, and many of these outcomes are preventable with timely screenings and intervention. SCAI is proud to be a part of the PAD Alliance and partner with key members of Congress to address the debilitating consequences of peripheral artery disease,” said SCAI President Srihari S. Naidu, MD, MSCAI. “We commend Representatives Bilirakis and Cherfilus-McCormick for their bipartisan leadership on this critical issue, supporting physicians as we work to improve patient outcomes. This caucus relaunch is essential to building the infrastructure and education to catch PAD earlier and reduce unnecessary, tragic outcomes. SCAI is ready to work with Congress and our medical colleagues to ensure every PAD patient knows how to recognize early signs and receives timely, accessible care.” 

Medical Community United in Need for Policy Action to Address PAD  Dr. Andrew J. Klein, MD, FSCAI, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI): “Interventional cardiologists are at the forefront of diagnosing and treating PAD; however, we cannot solve this crisis through medical intervention alone. We need comprehensive policy solutions to complement our efforts, improve screening, expand access to treatment, and address the stark disparities in PAD outcomes across America.” 

Dr. Joe Haurani, MD, MPH, Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), stated: “The Society for Vascular Surgery is committed to advancing the awareness and treatment of peripheral artery disease. Through initiatives like this, we are bringing together medical experts, patients, and policymakers to ensure that every patient has access to the life-saving vascular care they need. Not only is PAD the leading cause of preventable limb amputations in the United States, but it also raises the risk of death by heart attack or stroke. Early detection and intervention can prevent limb loss and save lives.” 

 Dr. Bob Tahara, MD, Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society (OEIS), added: “OEIS is proud to support efforts that improve PAD education and expand access to minimally invasive treatments for PAD patients. While our members are on the front lines delivering innovative, outpatient endovascular care that improves outcomes and quality of life, it's essential that we continue collaborating across various medical specialties and with patient advocates to successfully address the significant gaps in PAD awareness and treatment.” 

Dr. Gray Lyons, MD, PhD., Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), emphasized: “Interventional radiologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating PAD using minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. SIR is dedicated to ensuring that patients across all communities have access to these advanced treatments. By working together with other medical societies and patients, we can make meaningful progress in reducing the devastating impact of this disease by catching it early.” 

Dr. Wayne B. Batchelor, MD, MHS, FSCAI, Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), highlighted: "Peripheral Artery Disease disproportionately impacts Black Americans and other underserved communities, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. That is a gap in care we must close. As we gather for the first PAD Caucus event since the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., we honor his leadership and commitment to the Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act—legislation focused on reducing preventable amputations, lowering health care costs, and improving outcomes nationwide. The Association of Black Cardiologists stands with the bipartisan Congressional PAD Caucus and our partners to advance education, high-risk screening, and access to limb-saving care. This is about prevention, accountability, and saving limbs and lives." 

Dr. David Alper, American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), said: “We know that 85% of non-traumatic amputations are preventable with early discovery and care of changes in circulation and condition of the lower extremity. As the caregivers of the foot, podiatrists are the true ‘gatekeepers’ to early detection and early intervention by recognizing the need for specialized care for patients presenting with changes from PAD. Podiatrists know all too well the strong value of detecting and reacting early when symptoms of circulation breakdown are seen—and all too often are the ones to remove toes and feet on people who did not have to receive this result, if only regular screening for PAD, especially in diabetics, were available and occurred. Availability and coverage for annual foot screenings for patients with diabetes and PAD will save limbs, lives, and healthcare dollars—and needs to be part of the medical landscape.”

About the PAD Pulse Alliance   Founding Members 

Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC)

Founded in 1974, ABC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, in Black and other minoritized communities. ABC works to achieve optimal health for all through the elimination of disparities by advancing education, research, advocacy, and community engagement.  

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI)

Representing more than 4,500 invasive and interventional cardiology professionals in approximately 75 nations, SCAI promotes excellence in cardiovascular medicine through education and quality standards.  

Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR)

A nonprofit medical society representing over 8,000 professionals dedicated to improving patient care through image-guided therapies.  

Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)

Founded in 1946, SVS seeks to advance excellence in vascular health through education, advocacy, research, and public awareness, with a membership of over 6,300 professionals.  

Supporting Partners 

American Podiatric Medicine Association  CardioVascular Coalition  The CLI Global Society  Corazon  The Global PAD Association   Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society  Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association  Society for Vascular Medicine  Industry Sponsors

Abbott Boston Scientific Gore Medtronic Philips Shockwave Medical  About the Get a Pulse on PAD Campaign:  Supported by the PAD Pulse Alliance, the Get a Pulse on PAD campaign aims to educate and raise awareness about the risk factors and potential symptoms of PAD – the most debilitating disease that many people have never heard of. We want to empower patients to advocate for their health by kicking off the conversation with their doctor. For more information, visit  PADPulse.org. 

Top 5 Things to Know About PAD  PAD is common. More than 10 million Americans are affected.  PAD is underdiagnosed. Nearly 70 percent of people with PAD do not know they have it.  Symptoms are often overlooked. Leg pain, cramping while walking, and slow-healing wounds may be dismissed as aging but can signal PAD.  PAD can be detected with a simple test. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a quick, painless screening that compares blood pressure in the arm and ankle.  PAD is treatable. Lifestyle changes, medication, and minimally invasive procedures can restore blood flow and prevent amputation if caught early.   

 

Media Contact: Gavin Stern 
gstern@scai.org, 202-644-8561 

 

About the 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, visit www.scai.org.

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