As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the SVS Foundation's Voices of Vascular Program celebrates vascular surgeons' accomplishments and cultural contributions. SVS proudly welcomes its Colombian Chapter, Asovascular, into the organization with this feature profile.
Asovascular, the Colombian Association of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, is a cornerstone in the development of vascular surgery in Colombia. Since its founding in 1965, it has provided continuous education and advancements in treating vascular diseases in the country. Composed of vascular surgeons, internists, angiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, Asovascular has evolved and established itself as a regional leader in the field for its legacy and close relationship with the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS).
Dr. Héctor Jiménez, the current president of Asovascular, highlighted in a recent interview the association’s commitment to the same principles that guide the SVS: “The study of diseases, the protection of our members within a community, continuous education and, above all, the protection of patients in the management of vascular surgery.”
This focus has been central to the association’s mission since its inception. Two important milestones mark the history of Asovascular. The first foundation in 1965, led by pioneers like Dr. Bernardo Tirado and Dr. Abraham Lechter, was a groundbreaking effort in its creation. However, due to bureaucratic reasons, the association entered a period of inactivity until its refoundation in 1995 with the help of former presidents such as Dr. Álvaro Murcia Gómez, Rafael Riveros Dueñas, and Dr. Jorge Ulloa Domínguez, among others. “This means that next year, the association will celebrate 60 years since the first foundation and 30 years since the second foundation,” Jiménez said.
From its early days, Asovascular established international relationships that influenced its development. “The founders connected with Spain, France, and England... This allowed our development to lean towards those European concepts,” Jiménez explained. The association strengthened its ties as globalization advanced, especially with North America. Under the influence of Dr. Gregorio A. Sicard, in close collaboration with Dr. Diego Fajardo, Asovascular began a formal approach with the SVS, which was officially consolidated in 2008 with the creation of the Colombian Chapter of the SVS, led by a group of 15 vascular surgeons, including Dr. Jiménez. Thanks to leaders like Dr. Jorge H. Ulloa (son of Ulloa Domínguez) and Dr. Ana María Botero, Asovascular successfully formally integrated its members into the SVS, currently reaching 189 members.
“Our association pursues the same general principles as the SVS, promoting a fraternal, academic, and scientific relationship that fosters continuous education,” Jiménez commented, emphasizing the mutual benefits of this alliance.
Asovascular has been committed to social responsibility through a series of programs to bring vascular care to Colombia's most underserved communities. “About 10-15 years ago, the association’s team conducted the first campaign, providing direct care and detection through minimally invasive procedures in remote areas,” recalled Dr. Ulloa. These programs, now held four times a year, are a clear example of Asovascular’s impact on public health in the country.
In addition, Asovascular has launched technological initiatives to promote the prevention and early detection of vascular diseases through social media, making medical information more accessible to the general public.
As Asovascular approaches its 60th anniversary, its leaders are focused on international expansion and consolidating its role as a global leader in vascular surgery. “We believe that continuous education, rapid interaction with different communities around the world, and the ability to develop procedures more interactively between specialists will be key to our future,” Jiménez stated.
In 2026, the association will host an international congress in Cartagena, Colombia, in collaboration with the International Union of Angiology, the SVS, the American Venous Forum, and other renowned vascular surgery associations worldwide. This event will not only celebrate the association's history but also strengthen international relationships and project the future of vascular surgery in Colombia and beyond.
In Dr. Jiménez’s words, “Asovascular invites SVS members to feel the warmth of our association, participate in our events, and contribute to the development of our community.”
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