Regional anesthesia alone is reasonable for lower extremity amputation in high-risk patients, study finds

A recent study, published online in the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (EJVES), found that regional anesthesia alone is reasonable for major lower extremity amputation (LEAMP) in high-risk patients, and may initiate a more efficacious enhanced recovery program than general…
Study identifies disparities in early revascularization for symptomatic carotid stenosis

Data from a new study carried out in Texas found disparities in those undergoing early carotid revascularization along gender, race and ethnic lines. A research team from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston demonstrated that women are less likely to…
SVS coding course goes virtual amid pandemic

Due to restrictions on live gatherings that are expected to remain in effect, the 2020 Coding & Reimbursement Workshop will be held online. Through a series of interactive webinars, the program will be converted completely to a virtual event and…
Take action to stop projected Medicare surgery cuts

The proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rule for 2021 was released Aug. 3 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), revealing vascular and general surgeons face a projected 7% reduction in Medicare payments. The rule includes proposals to…
VQI analysis finds endovascular repair of rAAA superior to open repair

A recent study examining the effect of operative approach on outcomes in patients presenting with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) demonstrated clear short- and midterm survival benefits of endovascular repair over an open approach. The authors—Linda J Wang, MD, of…
Sheahan: On professionals and professionalism

On March 19, 2019, I sat in the audience of the scientific sessions at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery (SCVS). I was there with two of my trainees who were eagerly waiting to present their…
Joint symposium with UCLA returns in virtual form

From Aug. 15 to 30, UCLA will hold its Fifth Annual UCLA/SVS Symposium: A Comprehensive Review and Update of What’s New in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. Given the circumstances of COVID-19, the program will be held virtually as a live…
Students/residents: Free webinars and virtual program directory available

In early June, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Resident and Student Outreach Committee held the SVS Pathways to Vascular Surgery Practice 2020: “Planning Your Career in Vascular Surgery Practice” webinars. This program was developed specifically for general surgery residents…
Unveiling an AI-driven risk stratification tool to attain better stroke prediction

It’s one of the most intractable areas of focus in all of vascular disease, and the source of—inarguably, Brajesh K. Lal, MBBS, emphasizes—the most intensely studied vascular surgical procedure anywhere in the sphere of the specialty. And for some years,…
Ultrasound-guided PTA is a ‘valuable tool’ in vascular access stenosis

Routine ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is a feasible treatment for native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction, according to a recent study by Antonio Granata, MD, of “Cannizzaro” Hospital, Catania, Italy. The findings were published online on 25 July in the…

