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‘That 5% Thing’
On a recent flight back from Europe I had a most unsettling but thought provoking experience when I watched the Oscar-winning foreign movie “Amour.” You may ask why this film had such a profound effect. It was because it aroused…
Ten tips for chronic venous ulcers
The underlying pathophysiology of chronic venous insufficiency is complex and involves many factors. Studies have shown that average venous ulcers may need 6-12 months for complete healing with an anticipated recurrence rate exceeding 2/3 cases in 5 years. These numbers…
Democracy – best, but only if….
A stated goal of the United States is to support and promote democracy throughout the world. This seems reasonable, because democracy has often worked well in our own and other Western countries, and because no other form of government has…
From the Editor: Let the ‘Sunset Act?’
The Physician Payment Sunshine Act is now in place, and I’m concerned that it may become the “Sunset Act” since it may be another reason for doctors to consider leaving the profession. As of August, manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals,…
Keep RUC in mind
In July, the Society for Vascular Surgery sent requests to its members to complete surveys regarding the work involved with creation, revision, and thrombectomy of hemodialysis access. These surveys form the basis of data used by the American Medical Association/Relative…
Stopping the ooze
Many of us will do anything or use any product available to stop oozing from suture needle holes. After all, waiting for bleeding to stop is usually not something most vascular surgeons enjoy. Most hemostatic agents are quite expensive and…
SVS Resident Research Prize given to AAA study
Dr. Nathan D. Airhart, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, was the recipient of this year’s SVS Foundation Resident Research Prize Paper, which was presented at the Vascular Annual Meeting as part of the William J. von Liebig Forum,…
Forecast from your new editor
I am extremely thrilled to be named the new editor of Vascular Specialist. Uniquely unblemished by commercialism, Vascular Specialist has provided updated information with important commentary from unbiased editors. Much of its popularity is owed to the hard work of…
Veith’s Views: Second opinions are overrated
A middle aged man goes to his primary care physician for his annual check-up. Because of an abnormal physical finding or laboratory test, he is referred to a specialist, who, after additional tests, recommends an operation with considerable risks. Before…
Professional Courtesy
In an early Peanuts cartoon Charlie Brown asked Linus what he wanted to be when he grew up, and Linus replied that was going to be a country doctor: “Yup. I want to be on the right side of the…