"The Know" is an informational resource concerning vein treatment options. It contains valuable information for prospective patients, physicians as well as those in the vein treatment industry. We will be regularly posting educational articles, video logs and other pertinent information. We encourage your feedback and welcome any suggestions that you feel may improve the blog.
March 2011 Blog Archive
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Vascular disease foundation Announces call for nominations for research awards
Lakewood, CO, March 22, 2011 – The Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) is seeking nominations for research awards through its Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and Venous Disease Coalitions. Research awards recognize the important research relevant to the understanding and/or treatment of arterial and venous diseases. VDF seeks to identify exceptional contributions to research. Nominations of studies published in 2010 in peer-reviewed medical literature are being sought.
Best peripheral arterial disease (PAD) research awards categories:
1. Epidemiology/Preventive Medicine
2. Vascular Medicine
3. Vascular Interventions
Criteria are studies that provide a novel insight into the mechanism of lower extremity atherosclerosis; mechanisms of progression; detection of PAD in populations; the impact of PAD on limb symptoms or quality of life; psychosocial effects of the disease; economic or health services impact; or impact of this disease on systemic rates of myocardial infarction, stroke, or amputation.
Best venous disease research award categories:
1. Basic Science
2. Clinical Outcomes
3. Quality Improvement and Implementation of Best Practices
Criteria are studies that provide important or novel insights into the basic science of thrombogenesis and thrombus resolution; clinical outcomes; or the implementation of quality improvement activities related to venous disease.
To nominate a study, please submit a description (150-300 words) of the features that make the research meritorious, a copy of the article and lead author contact information to info@vdf.org. Deadline for nominations is April 30, 2011.
These annual awards consist of a plaque and $1,000 check and are presented each year at VDF’s annual meeting in September.
Vascular Disease Foundation
The Vascular Disease Foundation is a national, nonprofit, public education organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and management of vascular disease. Its outstanding board of directors includes physicians, nurses, vascular technologists, rehabilitation professionals and clinical researchers who have been on the forefront of fighting vascular diseases for many years. The P.A.D. Coalition and Venous Disease Coalition are programs of VDF. For more information call 888.VDF.4INFO (888.833.4463).
Friday, March 11, 2011
March is Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month!
This month, set aside a few minutes to learn about a condition with potentially serious consequences. Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, is marked by a blood clot that forms in a vein, or veins, deep within the body such as in the legs. While many of these conditions disappear eventually, DVT is potentially very serious as the blood clot could break loose and travel into the lungs, which may result in a pulmonary embolism.
Risk factors that may contribute to the formation of blood clots include sitting for long periods (driving, flying), an inherited disorder affecting blood clotting, an injury or surgery, pregnancy, prolonged bed rest, cancer, heart failure and taking birth control pills, as well as other factors. Symptoms of the condition may include swelling in the leg, ankle or foot; pain in the leg, ankle or foot (may feel like cramping); redness or warmth in the area; and pain or swelling in other areas in which a clot may be present such as the arms or neck.
Recognizing these risk factors as well as the possible symptoms of deep vein thrombosis is important in recognizing the condition so that you can get to a doctor for testing, evaluation and diagnosis. Various methods may be used to diagnose the condition including ultrasound, CT or MRIs, blood tests or a venography.
To treat deep vein thrombosis, blood thinners or clotbusters may be prescribed. In some cases, filters may be used to prevent clots that break loose from migrating to the lungs, especially in cases in which the patient is unable to take blood thinners. The filter may be inserted into a large vein in the abdomen. Compression stockings may be used to prevent swelling, too. To learn more about DVT during this month of awareness, contact a local specialist.
