News from the SVS

After the turkey, after the frenzy of post-holiday shopping, do something for others by donating to the SVS Foundation on #Giving Tuesday.

This day kicks off the charitable season, when many people focus on holiday and year-end giving. The global day of giving was founded in 2012 and is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, on the heels of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping days.

This year, the expanded mission of the SVS Foundation provides even more reasons to give generously. So, on #GivingTuesday, think of the patients you treat and whose lives you’ve impacted – and donate to the SVS Foundation. 

After the turkey, after the frenzy of post-holiday shopping, do something for others by donating to the SVS Foundation on #Giving Tuesday.

This day kicks off the charitable season, when many people focus on holiday and year-end giving. The global day of giving was founded in 2012 and is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, on the heels of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping days.

This year, the expanded mission of the SVS Foundation provides even more reasons to give generously. So, on #GivingTuesday, think of the patients you treat and whose lives you’ve impacted – and donate to the SVS Foundation. 

After the turkey, after the frenzy of post-holiday shopping, do something for others by donating to the SVS Foundation on #Giving Tuesday.

This day kicks off the charitable season, when many people focus on holiday and year-end giving. The global day of giving was founded in 2012 and is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, on the heels of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping days.

This year, the expanded mission of the SVS Foundation provides even more reasons to give generously. So, on #GivingTuesday, think of the patients you treat and whose lives you’ve impacted – and donate to the SVS Foundation. 

November is American Diabetes Month – and as we know, that disease goes hand in hand (and foot) with vascular disease. SVS has created a handy pdf for your office on how to keep feet healthy despite diabetes, available here, along with a press release on the topic. Please feel free to print the infographic out and share with patients, staff and coworkers.

November is American Diabetes Month – and as we know, that disease goes hand in hand (and foot) with vascular disease. SVS has created a handy pdf for your office on how to keep feet healthy despite diabetes, available here, along with a press release on the topic. Please feel free to print the infographic out and share with patients, staff and coworkers.

November is American Diabetes Month – and as we know, that disease goes hand in hand (and foot) with vascular disease. SVS has created a handy pdf for your office on how to keep feet healthy despite diabetes, available here, along with a press release on the topic. Please feel free to print the infographic out and share with patients, staff and coworkers.

Applications are due March 2, 2018, for the Wylie Scholar Award, co-sponsored by Vascular Cures and the SVS Foundation. The three-year, $150,000 grant is awarded to a promising vascular surgeon-scientist in North America and is designed to support outstanding surgeon-scientists conducting innovative academic research in the early stages of their careers.

This year's recipient, Dr. Sean English, is conducting research on AAA. Dr. Mohamed Zayed, MD, PhD, the 2015 recipient, is investigating why diabetics develop a unique lipid profile leading to PAD. For each $150,000 award, Wylie Scholars have received $3.3 million in subsequent national research funding, for a return on investment of nearly 22 to 1. 

Applications are due March 2, 2018, for the Wylie Scholar Award, co-sponsored by Vascular Cures and the SVS Foundation. The three-year, $150,000 grant is awarded to a promising vascular surgeon-scientist in North America and is designed to support outstanding surgeon-scientists conducting innovative academic research in the early stages of their careers.

This year's recipient, Dr. Sean English, is conducting research on AAA. Dr. Mohamed Zayed, MD, PhD, the 2015 recipient, is investigating why diabetics develop a unique lipid profile leading to PAD. For each $150,000 award, Wylie Scholars have received $3.3 million in subsequent national research funding, for a return on investment of nearly 22 to 1. 

Applications are due March 2, 2018, for the Wylie Scholar Award, co-sponsored by Vascular Cures and the SVS Foundation. The three-year, $150,000 grant is awarded to a promising vascular surgeon-scientist in North America and is designed to support outstanding surgeon-scientists conducting innovative academic research in the early stages of their careers.

This year's recipient, Dr. Sean English, is conducting research on AAA. Dr. Mohamed Zayed, MD, PhD, the 2015 recipient, is investigating why diabetics develop a unique lipid profile leading to PAD. For each $150,000 award, Wylie Scholars have received $3.3 million in subsequent national research funding, for a return on investment of nearly 22 to 1. 

Endovascular treatment of iliocaval and infrainguinal post-thrombotic venous obstruction results do not appear to be adversely affected by extension of the iliac vein stents into the femoral venous system, according to a report in the November edition of the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Diseases (J Vasc Surg: Venous and Lym Dis 2017;5:789-99).

Deep venous thrombosis remains a significant problem with well over 500,000 people affected in the United States. Over a quarter of these patients will experience post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), despite appropriate anti-coagulation. Patients with iliocaval thrombosis face a three-fold risk of PTS. Treatment of the complications of PTS, including leg swelling, venous claudication, skin changes and ulceration, results in healthcare costs estimated at $7 to $10 billion per year.

Popularized by Drs. Seshadri Raju and Peter Neglen, venous stenting for symptomatic patients has increased significantly in this setting. Several large series since then have demonstrated safety, efficacy and good durability of this technique in iliocaval obstruction. Questions, however, remain as to the outcomes with regards to etiology (i.e., thrombotic versus non-thrombotic occlusion) and extent of stenting (i.e., extension below the inguinal ligament). Concern for the latter is raised as the mobility of the common femoral vein may result in stent fracture and thrombosis.

Researchers from UCLA, led by vascular surgeon Dr. Brian DeRubertis, retrospectively evaluated their single-center experience with percutaneous treatment of post-thrombotic iliocaval obstruction. In this series, 31 patients (42 limbs) presented with pain/swelling (100%) including venous claudication (81%) and active ulceration (10%). Percutaneous interventions, including iliocaval angioplasty/stent in 81% with extension into the femoral system (38%), resulted in 100% technical success. Of those with IVC filters, 46% were able to be removed.

At an average of 15 months follow-up (range 2-49 months), the following results were achieved:

• Improvement in pain/swelling               84%
• Resolved pain/swelling                          42%
• Decreased CEAP classification                65%
• 1 year primary stent patency                 66%
• 1 year secondary stent patency             75%

Those requiring infrainguinal extension of the stent realized no significant difference in primary stent patency at one year compared to those who did not (68% versus 65%). However, in those whose IVC filter could not be removed, resolution of symptoms was achieved in only 17%.

 “Our aim was to better understand risk factors for poor clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention for symptomatic chronic venous obstruction secondary to post-thrombotic lesions,” comments first author Dr. Johnathon Rollo. “Our results suggest that stenting below the inguinal ligament does not result in inferior outcomes, at least in the short-term, and may be necessary in a higher percentage of patients than previously reported. Additionally, the failure to remove an IVC filter in this setting appears to result in inferior outcome and an attempt to safely remove the filter should be made in this high-risk population.”

This data suggests a role for early filter removal after, or not even placing them at all, during ileocaval lytic therapy.

The authors emphasize stenting from normal vein above to normal vein below the occlusive disease, if technically possible. Based on these results, going below the inguinal ligament to achieve adequate inflow makes sense.

To download the complete article (link available free through 12/31/2017), click here.

Endovascular treatment of iliocaval and infrainguinal post-thrombotic venous obstruction results do not appear to be adversely affected by extension of the iliac vein stents into the femoral venous system, according to a report in the November edition of the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Diseases (J Vasc Surg: Venous and Lym Dis 2017;5:789-99).

Deep venous thrombosis remains a significant problem with well over 500,000 people affected in the United States. Over a quarter of these patients will experience post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), despite appropriate anti-coagulation. Patients with iliocaval thrombosis face a three-fold risk of PTS. Treatment of the complications of PTS, including leg swelling, venous claudication, skin changes and ulceration, results in healthcare costs estimated at $7 to $10 billion per year.

Popularized by Drs. Seshadri Raju and Peter Neglen, venous stenting for symptomatic patients has increased significantly in this setting. Several large series since then have demonstrated safety, efficacy and good durability of this technique in iliocaval obstruction. Questions, however, remain as to the outcomes with regards to etiology (i.e., thrombotic versus non-thrombotic occlusion) and extent of stenting (i.e., extension below the inguinal ligament). Concern for the latter is raised as the mobility of the common femoral vein may result in stent fracture and thrombosis.

Researchers from UCLA, led by vascular surgeon Dr. Brian DeRubertis, retrospectively evaluated their single-center experience with percutaneous treatment of post-thrombotic iliocaval obstruction. In this series, 31 patients (42 limbs) presented with pain/swelling (100%) including venous claudication (81%) and active ulceration (10%). Percutaneous interventions, including iliocaval angioplasty/stent in 81% with extension into the femoral system (38%), resulted in 100% technical success. Of those with IVC filters, 46% were able to be removed.

At an average of 15 months follow-up (range 2-49 months), the following results were achieved:

• Improvement in pain/swelling               84%
• Resolved pain/swelling                          42%
• Decreased CEAP classification                65%
• 1 year primary stent patency                 66%
• 1 year secondary stent patency             75%

Those requiring infrainguinal extension of the stent realized no significant difference in primary stent patency at one year compared to those who did not (68% versus 65%). However, in those whose IVC filter could not be removed, resolution of symptoms was achieved in only 17%.

 “Our aim was to better understand risk factors for poor clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention for symptomatic chronic venous obstruction secondary to post-thrombotic lesions,” comments first author Dr. Johnathon Rollo. “Our results suggest that stenting below the inguinal ligament does not result in inferior outcomes, at least in the short-term, and may be necessary in a higher percentage of patients than previously reported. Additionally, the failure to remove an IVC filter in this setting appears to result in inferior outcome and an attempt to safely remove the filter should be made in this high-risk population.”

This data suggests a role for early filter removal after, or not even placing them at all, during ileocaval lytic therapy.

The authors emphasize stenting from normal vein above to normal vein below the occlusive disease, if technically possible. Based on these results, going below the inguinal ligament to achieve adequate inflow makes sense.

To download the complete article (link available free through 12/31/2017), click here.

Endovascular treatment of iliocaval and infrainguinal post-thrombotic venous obstruction results do not appear to be adversely affected by extension of the iliac vein stents into the femoral venous system, according to a report in the November edition of the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Diseases (J Vasc Surg: Venous and Lym Dis 2017;5:789-99).

Deep venous thrombosis remains a significant problem with well over 500,000 people affected in the United States. Over a quarter of these patients will experience post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), despite appropriate anti-coagulation. Patients with iliocaval thrombosis face a three-fold risk of PTS. Treatment of the complications of PTS, including leg swelling, venous claudication, skin changes and ulceration, results in healthcare costs estimated at $7 to $10 billion per year.

Popularized by Drs. Seshadri Raju and Peter Neglen, venous stenting for symptomatic patients has increased significantly in this setting. Several large series since then have demonstrated safety, efficacy and good durability of this technique in iliocaval obstruction. Questions, however, remain as to the outcomes with regards to etiology (i.e., thrombotic versus non-thrombotic occlusion) and extent of stenting (i.e., extension below the inguinal ligament). Concern for the latter is raised as the mobility of the common femoral vein may result in stent fracture and thrombosis.

Researchers from UCLA, led by vascular surgeon Dr. Brian DeRubertis, retrospectively evaluated their single-center experience with percutaneous treatment of post-thrombotic iliocaval obstruction. In this series, 31 patients (42 limbs) presented with pain/swelling (100%) including venous claudication (81%) and active ulceration (10%). Percutaneous interventions, including iliocaval angioplasty/stent in 81% with extension into the femoral system (38%), resulted in 100% technical success. Of those with IVC filters, 46% were able to be removed.

At an average of 15 months follow-up (range 2-49 months), the following results were achieved:

• Improvement in pain/swelling               84%
• Resolved pain/swelling                          42%
• Decreased CEAP classification                65%
• 1 year primary stent patency                 66%
• 1 year secondary stent patency             75%

Those requiring infrainguinal extension of the stent realized no significant difference in primary stent patency at one year compared to those who did not (68% versus 65%). However, in those whose IVC filter could not be removed, resolution of symptoms was achieved in only 17%.

 “Our aim was to better understand risk factors for poor clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention for symptomatic chronic venous obstruction secondary to post-thrombotic lesions,” comments first author Dr. Johnathon Rollo. “Our results suggest that stenting below the inguinal ligament does not result in inferior outcomes, at least in the short-term, and may be necessary in a higher percentage of patients than previously reported. Additionally, the failure to remove an IVC filter in this setting appears to result in inferior outcome and an attempt to safely remove the filter should be made in this high-risk population.”

This data suggests a role for early filter removal after, or not even placing them at all, during ileocaval lytic therapy.

The authors emphasize stenting from normal vein above to normal vein below the occlusive disease, if technically possible. Based on these results, going below the inguinal ligament to achieve adequate inflow makes sense.

To download the complete article (link available free through 12/31/2017), click here.

Don't forget that the end of the year is the time to keep up to date with your SVS membership dues. Invoices were emailed to all members earlier this month and are due by Dec. 31.

It's simple to pay your 2018 dues online -- and there's no need to write out a check or find a stamp! Just log on to vascular.org/payinvoice. (While you're at it, please make sure your record is up to date.) You also can make a donation to the SVS Foundation at the same time. For membership help, e-mail the SVS membership department, or call 312-334-2313

Don't forget that the end of the year is the time to keep up to date with your SVS membership dues. Invoices were emailed to all members earlier this month and are due by Dec. 31.

It's simple to pay your 2018 dues online -- and there's no need to write out a check or find a stamp! Just log on to vascular.org/payinvoice. (While you're at it, please make sure your record is up to date.) You also can make a donation to the SVS Foundation at the same time. For membership help, e-mail the SVS membership department, or call 312-334-2313

Don't forget that the end of the year is the time to keep up to date with your SVS membership dues. Invoices were emailed to all members earlier this month and are due by Dec. 31.

It's simple to pay your 2018 dues online -- and there's no need to write out a check or find a stamp! Just log on to vascular.org/payinvoice. (While you're at it, please make sure your record is up to date.) You also can make a donation to the SVS Foundation at the same time. For membership help, e-mail the SVS membership department, or call 312-334-2313

At its recent meeting, the SVS Board of Directors approved establishing a Disaster Relief Fund in response to disasters in Puerto Rico, Florida, Texas and Mexico. This Fund will support vascular surgeons and their patients who have been impacted by these extraordinary events and ensure that their commitment to vascular health is recognized in times of need.  

The Foundation leadership is working to initiate a fundraising campaign and grant application guidelines.

Members are asked to email the SVS Foundation to provide your input on the type of support that would be most helpful to vascular surgeons and their patients in these disaster areas.

At its recent meeting, the SVS Board of Directors approved establishing a Disaster Relief Fund in response to disasters in Puerto Rico, Florida, Texas and Mexico. This Fund will support vascular surgeons and their patients who have been impacted by these extraordinary events and ensure that their commitment to vascular health is recognized in times of need.  

The Foundation leadership is working to initiate a fundraising campaign and grant application guidelines.

Members are asked to email the SVS Foundation to provide your input on the type of support that would be most helpful to vascular surgeons and their patients in these disaster areas.

At its recent meeting, the SVS Board of Directors approved establishing a Disaster Relief Fund in response to disasters in Puerto Rico, Florida, Texas and Mexico. This Fund will support vascular surgeons and their patients who have been impacted by these extraordinary events and ensure that their commitment to vascular health is recognized in times of need.  

The Foundation leadership is working to initiate a fundraising campaign and grant application guidelines.

Members are asked to email the SVS Foundation to provide your input on the type of support that would be most helpful to vascular surgeons and their patients in these disaster areas.

Don’t forget how valuable the Vascular Educational and Self-Assessment Program can be in keeping with all things vascular-related. And the mobile app (Apple products only) for off-line use is expected to be available within days.

The fourth edition launched just two months ago. Besides the app, VESAP4 also offers syncing between the companion app and desktop version; expanded bookmarking and annotation, easier navigation and simplified tracking of CME/MOC certificates.

Costs are $450 for candidates, $550 for members and $650 for non-members. A total of 75 CME (7.5 for each of the 10 sections) will be available. For information, email [email protected] or call 800-258-7188. 

Don’t forget how valuable the Vascular Educational and Self-Assessment Program can be in keeping with all things vascular-related. And the mobile app (Apple products only) for off-line use is expected to be available within days.

The fourth edition launched just two months ago. Besides the app, VESAP4 also offers syncing between the companion app and desktop version; expanded bookmarking and annotation, easier navigation and simplified tracking of CME/MOC certificates.

Costs are $450 for candidates, $550 for members and $650 for non-members. A total of 75 CME (7.5 for each of the 10 sections) will be available. For information, email [email protected] or call 800-258-7188. 

Don’t forget how valuable the Vascular Educational and Self-Assessment Program can be in keeping with all things vascular-related. And the mobile app (Apple products only) for off-line use is expected to be available within days.

The fourth edition launched just two months ago. Besides the app, VESAP4 also offers syncing between the companion app and desktop version; expanded bookmarking and annotation, easier navigation and simplified tracking of CME/MOC certificates.

Costs are $450 for candidates, $550 for members and $650 for non-members. A total of 75 CME (7.5 for each of the 10 sections) will be available. For information, email [email protected] or call 800-258-7188.