In the previous month, Vascular Specialist delivered a range of leading commentary from the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) in response to the New York Times investigation on inappropriateness in vascular care; the anticipated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) update on excess mortality risk for paclitaxel-coated devices; a review of protocols addressing hypersensitivity reactions after cyanoacrylate varicose vein treatment; and rumination from the E. Stanley Crawford Critical Issues Forum on the pipeline of sources feeding the vascular surgery ranks.
1. SVS responds to New York Times article on overuse of vascular interventions
In an official Society response, SVS President Joseph Mills, MD, tackles recent coverage in the mainstream media of inappropriateness in vascular care.
2. Long-awaited FDA update finds data do not support excess mortality risk for paclitaxel-coated devices
In a letter to healthcare providers dated July 11 2023, the FDA communicates that the risk of mortality associated with paclitaxel-coated devices to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is no longer supported based on data and analyses.
3. The numbers are in: VAM 2023 adds up to another SVS classic
The 2023 SVS Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM) was heralded another big success with nearly 1,400 vascular professionals moves the needle with program innovations, slew of new science and jam-packed agenda.
4. FDA approves study of ZFEN+ for treatment of aortic aneurysms
The FDA has granted approval for Cook Medical to initiate an investigational device exemption (IDE) study on the Zenith fenestrated+ endovascular graft (ZFEN+).
5. Second edition of VSITE review text released
The second edition of a hit trainee-created textbook primarily aimed at those taking the Vascular Surgery In-Training Exam (VSITE) has hit the shelves.
6. Crawford panel looks at opportunities to plug and extend vascular surgery workforce pipeline
This year’s E. Stanley Crawford Critical Issues Forum zeroed in on the pipeline of sources feeding the vascular surgery ranks. Incoming SVS President Joseph Mills, MD, assembled an expert panel to look at many of the key issues at the heart of efforts to address workforce-related concerns.
7. Surmodics receives FDA approval for the SurVeil drug-coated balloon
Surmodics announces the receipt of FDA approval for the SurVeil drug-coated balloon (DCB). A company press release notes that the SurVeil DCB may now be marketed and sold in the USA to physicians for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, after appropriate vessel preparation.
8. Review urges development of protocols to reduce hypersensitivity reactions after cyanoacrylate varicose vein treatment
Despite being considered “generally safe,” cyanoacrylate can cause local reactions in up to 25% of patients, disproportionately affecting women, Asian race and thin patients with a body mass index of <22. This was the conclusion drawn by Eduardo Silva, MD, from Coimbra Hospital and University Center in Coimbra, Portugal, in his presentation at this year’s European Venous Forum (June 22–24) in Berlin, Germany.
9. SVS seeks volunteers to write position paper
SVS members have until July 31 to apply to serve on a new SVS writing group to develop a position paper on the scope of work of vascular surgery practice in diagnosing and treating vascular disease. Volunteers should have expertise and interest in this topic area.
10. Study finds similar rates of VTE in both flying and non-flying surgical patients
Uncertainty underlying the magnitude of risk posed by long distance air travel in venous thromboembolism (VTE) patients has created the need for a deeper, systematic dive into the guidelines and resources providers should be turning to when managing their pre-flight VTE patients.
