Ethical issues for invasive cardiologists: Society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions.

In view of the major impact of medical economic forces, rapidly changing technology, and other pressures on invasive cardiologists, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions determined that a statement of the ethical issues confronting the modern invasive cardiologist was needed. The various conflicts presented to the cardiologist in his or her roles as practicing clinician, administrator of the catheterization laboratory, educator, or clinical researcher were reviewed. In all instances, the major concern was determined to be the welfare of the patient no matter how forceful the pressures from various outside force or concerns for personal advancement might be. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.