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Idle intravenous catheters are associated with preventable complications
Intravenous catheters (ICs) are common and necessary for inpatient care. However, peripheral and especially central venous catheters (CVCs) are associated with increased risk for local and systemic complications, including bloodstream infections and endocarditis. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and…
How to write a manuscript for publication
Writing should be fun! While some may view writing as painful (i.e., something you rather put off until all your household work, taxes, and even changing the litter boxes are done), writing can and will become more enjoyable the more…
Residency is like an IRONMAN
At the end of my junior surgical residency years, I was in a pretty bad physical and mental space. With resident coverage shortages, long hours, chronic fatigue, and personal pressures to perform and shine, I wound up digging myself into…
Should clopidogrel be discontinued prior to open vascular procedures?
The continued use of perioperative clopidogrel is appropriate Surgeons have always worried about bleeding risks for procedures we do. Complex vascular procedures are further complicated by the myriad of available antiplatelet agents designed to reduce ischemic events from cardiovascular disease…
Commentary: INR instability in the NOAC era
Progress in the development of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs), as well as agents for their reversal, has lowered the threshold to use these therapeutics as first line agents for the management of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism.1,2 Despite this…
Commentary: Should board exams include a technical skill assessment? A European perspective
The incidence of vascular diseases is steadily increasing because of an aging population. Vascular surgery is the only specialty that can offer all modalities of vascular therapy (endovascular, open, and conservative). It is therefore necessary to ensure implementation of all…
Tips for using EMRs effectively
All young physicians are adept at using electronic medical records. Do you agree? If so, you’d be wrong. It’s true that young, so-called “digital-native” physicians have more training and experience using EMRs, compared with those who trained in the days…
A welcome addition
On behalf of the SVS Publications Committee I am delighted to announce the appointment of Malachi Sheahan, III, M.D., as Associate Medical Editor of Vascular Specialist. I am sure readers will realize this official newspaper of the Society for Vascular…
Why be a vascular surgeon?
This edition of Vascular Specialist is being published early to coincide with the VAM. Since medical students will be attending the meeting I thought this would be a good opportunity to describe an often overlooked reason why, after all my…
The end of polypill – statins for everyone
At a time when therapeutics is emphasizing personalized therapy, it is reassuring that someone is interested in the big picture. Treating a single patient with drugs that cost $500 a pill seems in conflict with the needs of millions of…