Quality of Life After Pharmacomechanical Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis of Proximal Deep Venous Thrombosis

CHICAGO, Ill., Dec. 19, 2020 – An analysis of data from the ATTRACT trial published in the online version of the January Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders (JVSVL) reveals that quality of life (QOL) measures improve after pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PCDT). This is particularly true early on and for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis, or DVT.

BY MALACHI G. SHEAHAN III, MD MEDICAL EDITOR, VASCULAR SPECIALIST

Science, snark, and sartorial folly in the debate over operative attire

BY MALACHI G. SHEAHAN III, MD MEDICAL EDITOR, VASCULAR SPECIALIST

As medical editor of Vascular Specialist, it has always been my hope to use our excellent reporters and rapid production schedule to keep readers abreast of the latest news in vascular surgery. While my colleagues at the Journal of Vascular Surgery publish studies that will drive treatment, my goal is to drive discussion.

BY MALACHI G. SHEAHAN III, MD MEDICAL EDITOR, VASCULAR SPECIALIST

Spend a morning in my clinic and it becomes clear that many U.S. medical schools have no formal training in vascular disease. Certainly the symptoms of PAD are never taught; otherwise, why am I being referred so many patients with spinal stenosis? Some days I would have more use for an MRI than for my vascular lab. Then again, reviewing the aftermath of patients “treated” by other specialties, maybe some are better off going undiagnosed.

The EHR and our troubled health care system, Part 1

BY MALACHI G. SHEAHAN III, MD MEDICAL EDITOR, VASCULAR SPECIALIST

Just thought I would write and give you a quick update on our situation, not that you asked. As you recall, a few years ago we spent many hours discussing and planning the Heart and Vascular Service Line that you encouraged us to set up in our new hospital. 

BY MALACHI G. SHEAHAN III, MD MEDICAL EDITOR, VASCULAR SPECIALIST

BY MALACHI SHEAHAN III, MD DEPUTY MEDICAL EDITOR, VASCULAR SPECIALIST

AIDS, the Vietnam War, whatever your preferred scale for measuring horrific events, the numbers from the opioid crisis are as grave or worse. And, once again, it is the young who are dying. How we got to this point is an unbelievable story of corporate greed, government incompetence, regulatory commission overreach, and, unfortunately, physician ignorance.

BY MALACHI G. SHEAHAN III, MD DEPUTY MEDICAL EDITOR, VASCULAR SPECIALIST