Introduction: Bringing it all together, the Genesis of the PCR EAPCI textbook

Sometimes there is a natural harmony surrounding an idea or a project, this textbook represents such a moment, when a series of fortuitous events and interactions between individuals and associations come together to ensure the value of a project that begins with these volumes today.

The adventure began around 2004 when the idea was in the air to create a new textbook of interventional cardiology with a decidedly European flavour, but an international vision. Eric Eeckhout was approached by the editor of a major European publisher and asked to consider this project as an alternative to the “reference” works on the other side of the Atlantic. He started working on the framework as well as the conceptual content of the book, which from the first would contain innovations in the way knowledge would be exchanged. Besides a “snap-shot” reference work, Eric imagined that this textbook should be easily readable, offer information in a highly usable fashion and would be always up-to-date.

At the same time, in 2004, the members of the PCR board held a critical meeting to reflect on the future, long-term existence of PCR. While we felt that the Course itself was doing well after the merger...