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Data shows disease severity drives ALI outcomes more than treatment choice
A large retrospective study of patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI) found that early outcomes including limb salvage, survival and amputation-free survival are equivalent between open surgery-first and endovascular-first revascularization strategies. The research determined that outcomes were driven primarily by…
New data support tailored revascularization strategies for patients with CLTI
A new study comparing autologous vein bypass to endovascular intervention as the initial revascularization strategy for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) requiring infrapopliteal treatment found when patients were carefully matched for comorbidities, outcomes between the two approaches were largely…
Reducing unwanted care through better communication
Current communication practices often fail to help patients and their families understand if surgery is right for them, argued Margaret “Gretchen” Schwarze, MD, during a distinguished visiting professor address at the 2026 Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery (SCVS) Annual Symposium…
TCAR may offer lower neurological risk than CEA in older symptomatic patients
A large retrospective analysis of more than 350,000 patients drawn from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database found transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) maintained a more favorable neurological risk profile compared with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in older symptomatic patients, with the…
Reclaiming joy and meaning in vascular practice
“When was the last time in surgery that you experienced joy,” asked Vincent Rowe, MD, during his presidential address at the 2026 Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery (SCVS) Annual Symposium in San Diego, California (March 28-April 1). “Not just satisfaction,…
Study reveals higher PAD detection rates in women despite similar risk profiles
Women may be more likely than men to have undiagnosed peripheral artery disease (PAD) at the time of screening, despite meeting similar risk criteria, according to new data from a community-based screening program targeting underserved populations. The study analyzed participants…
The thrill is gone: Preserving dialysis access
I can feel Brian’s presence hovering over me before he speaks and I know what’s coming. He’s fielded a call from a dialysis patient we take care of and there’s an issue with their fistula. It may be high pressures,…
Smoking cessation remains a challenge among PAD patients undergoing revascularization
Smoking cessation rates among patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) undergoing lower extremity revascularization (LER) remain low and largely unchanged, according to a new analysis of Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) data. The retrospective study, which was published in the Journal…
Industry sponsored courses: A proposal for informed participation
Industry‑sponsored courses can facilitate hands-on exposure and expert-led discussion of new technology, additional operative skill practice and networking with practicing vascular surgeons leading workshops. However, as participants (i.e. vascular surgery residents/fellows, medical students and even early career vascular surgeons) it…
VQI analysis finds disparities in IVC filter retrieval rates
Black patients are significantly less likely to undergo inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval after placement compared with white patients, a retrospective study using data from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) found. The data was presented at the 2026 annual…