[Rosemont, Illinois] October 20, 2025 - The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Foundation today announced the launch of the Enrico Ascher Vascular Innovation Institute, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to advancing innovation in vascular surgery. The Institute will officially debut at the 2026 Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM) in Boston, serving as a hub for pioneering ideas, technologies and leadership in the field.
The Institute, established with the generous support of the Ascher family, will bring together innovators, mentors, industry partners and SVS leadership to celebrate and activate a bold new vision for surgeon-led innovation.
“The leadership of the SVS has identified the topic of innovation as one of its important goals,” said Enrico Ascher, MD, DFSVS, FACS, clinical professor of surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “I am humbled and honored by the fact that this new Institute was named after me. I believe this Institute will be enriched by great contributions from our members.”
A Legacy of Innovation
The creation of the Institute reflects years of strategic planning by SVS. In 2024, the Society established the Innovation Task Force, which developed a roadmap to strengthen SVS’s role in the innovation ecosystem. In 2025, Dr. Ascher was recognized with the Medal of Innovation in Vascular Surgery, underscoring his enduring contributions to the specialty.
The Institute will continue that legacy by:
- Delivering educational programming on innovation, entrepreneurship and technology translation.
- Offering seed funding for promising surgeon-led ideas.
- Providing mentorship and guidance from experienced innovators.
- Cultivating a growing community of vascular innovators anchored at the VAM.
Preparing the Next Generation of Innovators
A critical component of the Institute’s mission is to prepare participants to assess market needs, navigate regulatory processes and communicate ideas effectively. To achieve this, SVS is exploring partnerships with providers of entrepreneurial training, including scalable online courses paired with individualized coaching.
“The Enrico Ascher Vascular Innovation Institute is a pivotal investment in our field’s future. With the Ascher family’s generous support, we’re building a home for surgeon-led ideas to mature into real solutions that improve patients’ lives.” said Matthew Eagleton, MD, Chair, SVS Foundation Board.
A Bold Step Forward
The launch of the Enrico Ascher Vascular Innovation Institute represents a major milestone in the SVS Foundation’s mission to foster a culture of innovation within vascular surgery. By empowering surgeons at every stage of their careers, the Institute will ensure that creativity and innovation remain central to advancing care for vascular patients worldwide.
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About the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation
The SVS Foundation is the charitable arm of the Society for Vascular Surgery. Since 1987, the Foundation has funded over $16 million in grants and awards. It is committed to funding the future of vascular health through its four pillars: research and innovation, community vascular care and patient education, disease prevention, and diversity, equity and inclusion. It supports innovative research initiatives and educational programs to improve patient care and outcomes.
Contact:
Catherine Lampi, Director, SVS Foundation
Email: clampi@vascularsociety.org
Phone: 312-334-2308