A higher number of vascular surgery patients develop a respiratory complication within 30 days of surgery than develop a cardiac complication, according to a new study published in the Journal for Vascular Surgery, the official publication of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS).

ONE IN FIVE AMERICANS OVER AGE 60 HAVE PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE

CHICAGO, Illinois, Feb. 9, 2017 – In February, American Heart Month raises awareness about heart disease. But “heart disease” is a catch-all term that refers to numerous problems, many of which are related to hardening of the arteries.

Between all the Vascular Annual Meeting has to offer and all that host city San Diego boasts, forgive California SVS surgeons, particularly those in the San Diego area, if they’re looking forward to summer. 

Several doctors said they enjoy VAM’s plenary sessions plus seeing old friends and colleagues. 

Applications for membership in SVS are due by March 1 and will be considered during the 2017 Vascular Annual Meeting, May 31-June 3. VAM is the only time each year that the Society votes on membership applications. Don’t delay; apply today.

Dr. Venita Chandra has some simple advice for those mulling membership in the Society for Vascular Surgery: Don’t hesitate. At all.  

Apply for Wylie Scholar Award (with Vascular Cures AND Foundation logos)
The SVS Foundation and Vascular Cures together sponsor the annual Wylie Scholar Award, a three-year, $150,000 grant awarded to a promising vascular surgeon-scientist in North America. The 2016 winner was Dr. Ryan McEnaney, who is researching the development of medical therapies to unblock arteries for patients for whom surgical procedures are not an option. 

In an instant in April 2013, Dr. Jeffrey A. Kalish went from Boston Marathon spectator to surgeon at Boston Medical Center, performing amputations, complex vascular repairs and other procedures. 

While Dr. Michael Dalsing doesn’t have a crystal ball, he is nonetheless making two predictions in the wake of the November presidential election:

1.    Changes will come to the Affordable Care Act.
2.    MACRA, MIPS and APMs, part of the replacement legislation for Medicare reimbursement, will remain and SVS members will need to learn about it. 

The 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule includes many changes beneficial to SVS members, following many months of work, including submission of comments, by SVS members and advocacy staff. The schedule was released on Nov. 2, 2016. 

Surgery is dangerous for cigarette smokers. If your surgeon recommends surgery, smoking cessation is a must. Ask for help if you need it.

If you can't quit on your own, ask physician for help

CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 18, 2017 – Cigarette smokers facing surgery should quit smoking as soon as possible, according to a new statement released jointly by the Societies for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Nursing.