Lessons in PAD care from VA vascular surgeons

The care of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is challenging and costly. Every practicing vascular surgeon knows that when patients present with ulcerations, infection, ischemia and comorbidities, we can accomplish amazing things. In an ideal world, our approaches universally…
‘A reliable tool’: Positive findings for 2D perfusion angiography in CLTI patients

Researchers suggest that in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), two-dimensional (2D) perfusion angiography is a “reliable tool” when used according to standardized methods. Jetty Ipema, PhD, of St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands, and colleagues write in the European Journal…
Study identifies ‘critical need’ for guidelines on appropriate use of atherectomy

No data currently exist to support the use of atherectomy over other procedures for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and the healthcare expenditure associated with the procedure is substantial, write Caitlin W. Hicks MD, assistant professor of surgery at John…
Patients with depression ‘less likely’ to go home after CLTI revascularization

A recent analysis established an association between depression and non-home discharge after revascularization for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI)—providing further evidence, the authors say, that an increased awareness of mental health is fundamental to care for vascular surgery patients. Joel L.…
WIfI score found to be accurate across racial groups

The wound, ischemia and foot infection (WIfI) score is as accurate a predictor of risk for limb loss in Black people as it is among whites, an SVS Foundation-supported study found. The research on patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI)…
SWEDEPAD unplanned interim analysis shows no difference in all-cause mortality for paclitaxel devices

An unplanned interim analysis of the registry-based SWEDEPAD clinical trial, in which patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) received treatment with paclitaxel-coated (drug-coated balloons or drug-eluting stents) or uncoated endovascular devices, “did not show a difference between the groups in…
The benefits of an academic research career in the VA

Every year a number of graduating vascular trainees look for jobs in academic surgery to develop a career as a surgeon-scientist in basic, translational or health services research. The current era of productivity-based compensation and competing demands in clinical, teaching,…
SVS pushes out trio of mobile apps to aid CLTI treatment

The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) has launched three new mobile apps to help guide surgeons in the treatment and management of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The apps help facilitate translating the Global Vascular Guidelines on the management of CLTI.…
Foot vein arterialization study shows 77.8% limb salvage rate

Foot vein arterialization (FVA) is a safe procedure with good early graft patency and a limb salvage rate of 77.8%, Qi Yan, MD, and colleagues found during a retrospective review of patients treated between 2019–2020. Yan et al, of the…
Diabetes Awareness Month: The utility of SVS branding fliers for diabetic foot ulcers

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. The Branding Toolkit can help SVS members promote the valuable care they provide those with the disease. One of the three customizable condition fliers currently available covers diabetic foot ulcers (the other two address abdominal…

