Last month, the most popular stories from Vascular Specialist included The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmation of carotid artery stenting coverage expansion; data on a “next generation” inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval device presented at the annual meeting of the New England Society for Vascular Surgery (NESVS); and recent study data supporting the findings of the BEST-CLI trial results.
1. From the editor: Sex, lies, and carotid stents
Malachi Sheahan III tackles the nascent debate over carotid stenting (CAS) vs. endarterectomy (CEA) amid a CMS decision over proposed expanded coverage for CAS.
2. CMS confirms broadened Medicare coverage of carotid artery stenting in final decision
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its final decision regarding National Coverage Determination (NCD) 20.7 covering carotid artery stenting (CAS), essentially confirming the coverage expansion outlined in a July proposed decision memo.
3. Obituary: Roger M. Greenhalgh (Feb. 6, 1941–Oct. 6, 2023)
Roger Malcolm Greenhalgh, MD, the surgeon internationally renowned for his unparalleled contribution to vascular education, training and research, died peacefully on Oct. 6. He was 82. At the time of his death, he was emeritus professor of surgery at Imperial College in London and head of its Vascular Surgery Research Group.
4. NESVS 2023: Novel IVC filter retrieval device slashes procedural time and radiation exposure during in vivo experiments, Yale researchers report
An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval device dubbed the next-generation in removal of the venous thromboembolism-fighting tools could substantially cut procedural times and radiation exposure, according to data emerging out of in vivo testing at Yale University.
5. Vascular branding: Determining a vascular surgeon’s value
A vascular surgeon’s value includes far more than direct revenues from procedures performed, said SVS member Robert Tahara, MD, recently. He told surgeons to remember not only these direct revenues, but also the help a surgeon provides other specialties in the hospital, as well as legal savings from “near misses—rarely considered and certainly rarely acknowledged.”
6. CLTI: European cohort study provides ‘strong positive evidence’ for surgery over endovascular approach, supporting BEST-CLI results
A recently published study has shown that lower limb bypass surgery offered a significantly higher probability of amputation-free survival and wound healing compared with endovascular treatment in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). This and other key findings from the study are reported in the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (EJVES).
7. 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.
8. 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. He was 91. George leaves behind four children, Mark, Jim, Patricia and Dean, and three grandchildren, Kelsey, Luke, and Oliver.
9. Survey suggests venous work less valued than arterial interventions
The majority of more than 300 vascular surgeons who responded to a recent survey indicated that they perceive the management of venous disease to be of less value than that of arterial disease. Investigators Misaki M. Kiguchi, MD, of MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., and colleagues share this and other key findings in the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders.
10. SVS varicose vein guideline webinar set for Oct. 10
A virtual roundtable on Oct. 10 will cover the new Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) varicose veins guidelines. Set for 6–7:30 p.m. CDT, the session will address the latest in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with the venous condition using duplex scanning.
