The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) awarded Emmanouil S. Brilakis, MD, PhD, FSCAI, its highest professional distinction, Master Interventionalist of SCAI (MSCAI), recognizing his exceptional contributions to the field of interventional cardiology.
Dr. Brilakis is chairman of the Center for Coronary Artery Disease at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) and director of the Center for Complex Coronary Interventions at Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute. The honor was announced April 25 during the SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions & CAIC-ACCI Summit in Montréal, Canada.
The MSCAI designation represents the highest level of recognition awarded by SCAI and is reserved for physicians who have demonstrated sustained excellence throughout their careers. Recipients are recognized for their commitment to advancing patient care, driving innovation, contributing to scientific research, and mentoring the next generation of cardiovascular specialists.
Dr. Brilakis is widely known for his pioneering work in chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions and for his leadership in advancing techniques that improve outcomes for patients with complex coronary artery disease. His contributions span clinical care, research, and education, with numerous publications and global teaching efforts that have helped shape modern interventional cardiology practices.
At MHIF, Dr. Brilakis plays a key role in advancing research and innovation aimed at improving care for the most complex of coronary artery disease cases. He is the Chairman of MHIF's Science Center for Coronary Artery Disease, which ranked # 3 globally for scientific excellence in coronary research, as ranked by the The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) 2025 SET-10 (Scientific Excellence Top 10), recognizing the academic and medical institutions driving the most impactful interventional cardiovascular research presented at TCT 2025 (Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics), CRF’s annual scientific symposium.
Dr. Brilakis' work aligns closely with MHIF’s mission, leading innovative cardiovascular research and education to advance care for patients around the world.
