2026 Scientific Sessions

This keynote session will reunite some of the pioneering physicians who played a critical role in the development of a life-saving stent for children with complex congenital heart disease. Inspired by a photo captured on March 7, 2000, the panel will share the story of the pivotal moment in August 1999 when a high-risk case spurred a collaboration with Cordis to design a custom stent capable of reaching a 20 mm diameter. Within months, prototypes were tested, a final design selected, and by April 2001, exactly 13 months to the day from the complication case, the first stent was successfully implanted. Their story highlights decades of persistence, innovation, and advocacy to bring the Mullins stent—named in honor of Dr. Chuck E. Mullins—to clinical reality.

Sponsored by SCAI. Supported by Cordis.