VQI launches fellowship in training program, announces scholarship

The Society for Vascular Surgery’s Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS VQI) is launching a new SVS Patient Safety Organization VQI Fellowship in Training (SVS PSO FIT) program. It is for individuals completing their medical residencies or fellowships in any vascular disease-focused…
First-in-human study of Wrapsody endoprosthesis yields ‘very promising’ results

Merit Medical Systems has announced positive results from a prospective, observational, first-in-human study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Wrapsody—a self-expanding, cell-impermeable endoprosthesis designed for the treatment of arteriovenous (AV) fistula access circuit stenosis and AV graft access circuit…
CMS creates new billing code for central venous vascular access system

Bluegrass Vascular Technologies announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code and New Technology Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) assignment for use of the Surfacer Inside-Out Access…
Fist Assist device achieves significant perforator vein dilation for improved endoAVF placement, p-FACT cohort data show
Fist Assist Devices has announced that data associated with the p-FACT cohort, a subset of the recently completed, non-significant risk Fist Assist clinical trial (FACT trial) that focused on vein dilation in stage four patients with chronic renal failure, show clear…
VAM: Spotlight on Tuesday and Wednesday

It’s nearly opening day for the Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM) and our schedule is jammed with sessions of interest. Here are presentations to consider for Wednesday, as well as activities on Tuesday. (If tickets are required, they can be obtained…
Artio Medical completes enrollment of first-in-human trial investigating Amplifi vein dilation system
Artio Medical announced today it has completed enrollment in its first-in-human study evaluating the Amplifi vein dilation system. In the study, five patients were treated by Adrian Ebner, head of the cardiovascular department at Sanatorio Italiano Hospital in Asunción, Paraguay.…
AVFs contribute to higher survival of hemodialysis patients with COVID-19

A new study, published online in The Journal of Vascular Access (JVA), suggests that arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) contribute to higher survival of hemodialysis patients with COVID-19. Authors Ahmet Murt, MD, of Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey, and colleagues urge that end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients “should…
The top 10 most popular Vascular Specialist stories in May

A pointed letter aimed at electronic health record (EHR) behemoth Epic, an argument in favor of endovascular treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs) and the first-ever Corner Stitch column were among the best-read stories here on the Vascular Specialist…
Emerging picture: VAM 2021 shaping up into blockbuster event

The moving pieces that comprise the 2021 Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM), set to take place Aug. 18–21 at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California, are being assembled into a blockbuster whole. Though plenary sessions have yet to be…
First pulmonary embolism patient enrolled in FLAME study

Inari Medical has announced the enrollment of the first high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patient in the FLAME (FlowTriever for acute massive pulmonary embolism) study. One in 20 PE diagnoses is categorized as high risk, and these are associated with a…

