On June 5, 1978, SCAI held its first Annual Meeting. It instituted a committee structure designed to develop new information that would be used to promote and guide future laboratory activities. Emphasis was placed on registration of all procedures performed by members, development of quality standards for laboratories, establishment of criteria for credentialing physicians and directors, and presentation of guidelines for training in cardiac catheterization and angiography.

SCAI now has a membership of over 4,000 invasive/interventional cardiologists and cath lab team members. Today SCAI's mission is to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality patient care. Focus areas for SCAI include establishing standards and guidelines for all aspects of cardiac catheterization and angiography, training, credentialing, safety, and quality assurance for cardiovascular procedures.