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From the editor: Sex, lies, and carotid stents
First, a disclaimer. This commentary is woefully short of sex-related content. Not even the wholesome gender-based outcomes stuff. So, if that key term brought your internet search here, feel free to press on with your illicit journeys my friend. Now,…
Enrollment of first patient in Neuroguard carotid stent system trial announced
Contego Medical has announced enrollment of the first patient in the prospective, multicenter PERFORMANCE III trial aimed at further evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the Neuroguard integrated embolic protection (IEP) direct system—a carotid stent system designed for direct transcarotid access. The study is…
EVS 2023: New data chart underrepresentation of women at the head of national clinical trials
The underrepresentation of women vascular surgeons in national clinical trial leadership formed the central theme of data coming out of a new study that probed all clinical trials in five main areas of vascular disease between 1997 and 2003. Delivered…
George Lavenson, Vietnam and Gulf War veteran, advocate for carotid disease screening in seniors, dies
George S. Lavenson Jr., lovingly referred to as “Doc” by his many friends, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii, where he chose to share a life in majestic Lahaina with his loving wife, Judy.…
SVS responds to CMS proposed coverage expansion for carotid stenting
The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and its affiliated Patient Safety Organization (PSO)/Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) have submitted a formal response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding its proposed national coverage determination on percutaneous transluminal angioplasty…
Comments sought on CMS proposed coverage expansion for carotid stenting
SVS members are encouraged to submit comments—due Aug. 10—to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on its proposed national coverage determination on percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the carotid artery concurrent with stenting. The move would expand coverage…
Carotid revascularization capable of improving mood in depressed patients with carotid atherosclerosis
A prospective study has demonstrated that carotid intervention can improve mood in depressed patients with advanced carotid disease, in addition to enabling cognitive improvements irrespective of baseline depression. These findings were presented during the Plenary Session 1: William J. von…
Initial case series indicates lithotripsy can help TCAR expand into high-risk patients
Lithotripsy may hold the key to enabling more carotid artery disease patients who require calcification treatment to undergo stent placement via a transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) procedure, as per single-center experiences presented at the recent Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery…
SCVS 2023: DAPT linked to better post-TCAR outcomes versus other drug regimens
Recent data presentations have revealed reduced risks of stroke and mortality among transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) patients who receive dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)—both preoperatively and at discharge—as compared to other drug regimens. Researchers believe these findings underscore the importance of…
DAPT linked to better post-TCAR outcomes versus other drug regimens
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes, including reduced in-hospital stroke and mortality risks, compared to other medication regimens in carotid disease patients who undergo stent placement via a transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) procedure. This is the key…