"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.
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011
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The American Board of Phlebology Announces Exam Dates for 2012
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The American Board of Phlebology will open their 5th phlebology exam cycle beginning in the fall of 2011. Applications will be processed starting in October, 2011, and all are to be submitted online at http://www.abph.net/application/default.asp. Prior to this date, applications will be accepted but will not be reviewed or processed until the start of the application review period. The application submission deadline is February 10, 2012.
The computer-based exam will be given electronically between April 14 and April 28, 2012. Previously, the exam was only available during a one-week window. In response to comments from applicants, the timeframe has been expanded to allow more physicians to fit this important exam into their schedules. Those who successfully pass the exam next April will be recognized as official ABPh diplomates and will join the group of 500 physicians who have already achieved certification during the first four exam cycles.
To become an ABPh diplomate, an applicant must complete the requisite training or experience qualifications, meet the continuing medical education requisites, and pass a stringent certification examination. Certification periods are ten years and maintenance is dependent upon the ability of the Diplomate to display competency in four areas of assessment: evidence of professional standing, evidence of commitment to lifelong-learning and periodic self-assessment, evidence of cognitive expertise, and evaluation of performance in practice.
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The American Board of Phlebology (ABPh) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 2007 for the purpose of certifying physicians who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge in the field of phlebology. The American Board of Phlebology (ABPh) was established to;
1. Improve the standards of medical practitioners and the quality of patient care related to the treatment of venous disorders and all aspects of venous disease
2. Serve the public and the medical profession by establishing initial and continuing qualifications for certification and maintenance of certification as physician specialists in the practice of phlebology
3. Examine physician candidates for certification and maintenance of certification in the practice of phlebology
4. Establish educational standards for teaching and training programs in phlebology
5. Maintain a registry of individuals who hold certificates issued by the Board
For more information, call (703) 234-4077
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Tuesday, May 24, 2011
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Nominations Wanted for Vascular Disease Foundation President’s Awards
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Lakewood, CO, May 24, 2011 – The Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) is seeking nominations for the 2011 President’s Awards. The deadline for nominations is Monday, July 27, 2011.
The President’s Awards are to recognize those individuals who have made a difference in the lives of those living with vascular disease or have assisted the Foundation in accomplishing its mission in various categories. These awards are to show our appreciation for the extraordinary measures individuals have taken to support the Foundation’s efforts to increase awareness of vascular disease and enhance the lives of those living with vascular disease.
There are four President’s award categories:
1) Inspiration: An award to recognize those individuals who provide hope or inspiration to individuals and their families living with vascular disease.
2) Leadership: Recognizing those volunteers who demonstrate leadership, initiative, creativity and dedication to VDF’s mission.
3) Partnership: Recognizing those organizations who work collaboratively with VDF to support our mission of reducing death and disability from vascular disease.
4) Vision: Recognizing those individuals committed to supporting the advancement of vascular disease awareness, research or education.
The nomination criteria for these awards consist of completing a nomination form, which requires a description of 450 words or less of why someone should be considered for a particular award. The nomination committee may select an award different from the one selected.
For more information please call 888.VDF.4INFO.
The Vascular Disease Foundation is the only national organization with the sole purpose of educating the public about vascular diseases. It is the most trusted source of credible, scientific and non-biased information on vascular diseases. For more information, call 888.VDF.4INFO (888.833.4463)
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Monday, May 09, 2011
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Robert B. McLafferty, MD Named President, Vascular Disease Foundation
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Lakewood, CO, May 3, 2011 – Dr. Robert McLafferty was elected president of the Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) board of directors at their meeting held on March 25th in Chicago, IL. Robert B. McLafferty, MD serves as a Professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery in the Department of Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
Dr. McLafferty has been a member of VDF’s board of directors since April 2005 and previously served on the Venous Disease Coalition’s steering committee as treasurer. In his new role as president, Dr. McLafferty will continue to lead efforts to increase awareness of vascular disease which affects over 40 million Americans.
“Dr. McLafferty’s commitment and dedication to improving the health care of those affected by vascular disease has been important,” said Sheryl Benjamin VDF executive director. “In his new role as president, he will lead VDF to become the leading resource of vascular disease information. He has a passion to bring vascular disease to the forefront of the national health dialogue. We are honored to have him serve as our new president.”
Dr. McLafferty's research interests are in the natural history of peripheral arterial and venous diseases; vascular disease treatment outcomes, education, economics, and epidemiology. He has numerous publications in peer reviewed journals and textbooks. He has special interest in the endovascular and surgical treatments of lower extremity occlusive disease, complex aortic aneurysm disease, carotid disease, and venous disease.
About the 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. For more information call 888.VDF.4INFO (888.833.4463).
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Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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Vascular disease foundation Announces call for nominations for research awards
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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).
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Friday, March 11, 2011
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March is Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month!
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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.
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Thursday, February 10, 2011
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Affording Your Vein Treatment: Fitting Beauty Into the Budget
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In today's economy, you may feel that your vein-free dreams are never going to be realized. But with so many options available for managing the cost of cosmetic venous treatments like endovenous ablation and sclerotherapy, why wait to get your veins treated?
Consider these options when exploring the best way to afford your treatment:
• Insurance. Depending on your situation, health insurance may cover some of the costs of your chosen procedure. For example, treatment for varicose veins may be covered by insurance because they may cause pain and compromise blood circulation. The best way to determine insurance coverage is to consult your provider.
• Financing. Both credit card and traditional loan use are options to consider for financing your vein treatment. You may also want to explore using specialized financial institutions that offer loans particularly for cosmetic procedures. Talking with your doctor or the facility’s office manager is a great way to find out if they have an existing relationship with a finance company, or if they offer in-house payment plans for patients.
• Discounts. If you know the optimum results may require multiple treatment sessions, or if numerous veins are in need of treatment, talk to your specialist about individualizing the cost of treatment to fit your situation.
Before choosing the treatment option that is right for you, be sure to understand the cost of follow-up visits or subsequent treatment sessions. Being an informed patient and communicating with your specialist are the best ways to prepare for your treatment, both financially and aesthetically!
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Friday, January 28, 2011
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VENOSAN INTRODUCES VENOHOOKS
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Venosan North America are pleased to introduce the VENOHOOKS™ comprehensive range of instruments for vein surgery including instruments similar to those designed by eminent European doctors including Mueller, Varady, Ramelet and the original hook designed by Oesch®. All the instruments are made in the USA with the exception of the original Oesch hook and stripper.
Venosan North America’s president Robert Spalding explained that there are several hooks on the market with distal ends similar to the original hooks but what makes VENOHOOKS different are the handles. “Arguably, the handle is as important as the hook”, explains Spalding. “For example the handle of the Ramelet type hook is designed to roll eloquently between finger and thumb to allow a dissecting and hooking motion without changing instrument and, most important, a minimal size incision. The handle of the Mueller type hook should fit nicely in the palm of the hand to allow a firm grip. The Varady type hook is designed to work for both right and left handed doctors and can be deftly turned to be a hook or a dissector. The Oesch hook has a solid, wide handle that gives its user a steady, firm grip while locating and removing a vein. We think doctors will really welcome VENOHOOKS” Spalding adds.
Hooks are available in left or right handed models (except of course Varady type). Call 800 432 5347.
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Friday, January 28, 2011
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Vascular Solutions introduces the SmartNeedle Vascular Access System
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Vascular Solutions, Inc. recently acquired the SmartNeedle® Vascular Access system. The SmartNeedle system consists of a hand-held monitor and one-time use needles designed to provide auditory ultrasound guided access to arteries and veins during catheterization procedures.
The SmartNeedle monitor is a re-usable, hand-held device that transmits a continuous wave Doppler signal, providing continuous auditory feedback to help locate and access the artery or vein quickly and with confidence. If desired, the monitor can be covered with a disposable sterile bag for use in the sterile field. Sterile, single-use SmartNeedles range from 18G to 24G, with bare tip and sheathed IV options. Bare-tipped needles are available in 18G, 20G and 22G sizes, and consist of a detachable Doppler probe that is housed within the lumen of a standard sized introducer needle. IV sheathed needles, used when attempting to access a vessel with the intent of leaving a small catheter in place, are available in 20G, 22G, 24G and 26G sizes.
Acquired by Vascular Solutions from Escalon Medical in May 2010, the SmartNeedle system was formerly known as the pdAccess Doppler guided needle access system. Moving forward, Vascular Solutions will use solely the name SmartNeedle. SmartNeedle products are available in the United States and Europe.
Vascular Solutions, Inc. is an innovative medical device company that focuses on developing unique clinical solutions for coronary and peripheral vascular procedures. The company’s product line consists of over 50 products in three categories: catheter products, hemostat products and vein products.
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Friday, January 28, 2011
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SIGVARIS Announces New Shade in Popular Medical Compression Hosiery Line
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Sales Soar as Style-Savvy Women Go Nude in SIGVARIS Soft Opaque Graduated Compression Hosiery
SIGVARIS, the global leader in medical compression hosiery and committed DVT prevention advocate, is pleased to announce a new shade in one of its most popular medical compression hosiery lines.
Women everywhere have fallen in love with the microfiber softness and comfort of Soft Opaque. Since the product launched in September, the demand for this product has been astounding. SIGVARIS is now manufacturing a skin-toned shade to keep up with the demands of customers that love this new product.
The nude shade, which just launched, is already flying off the shelves. The nude shade is perfect for masking problem areas women don’t want others to see. Soft Opaque is also available in midnight blue, black, espresso and graphite shades. Styles include calf-length, thigh-highs and pantyhose. Soft Opaque is popular because it has the luxurious look and feel of products found at high-end department stores with all the benefits of medical compression hosiery.
SIGVARIS medical compression hosiery promotes leg health and is universally recommended for both the surgical and non-surgical treatment of venous disorders. The product may also be worn to alleviate heavy, tired legs for women during pregnancy.
About SIGVARIS
SIGVARIS® North America is part of an internationally active medical device group headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland that focuses on the development, production and distribution of medical graduated compression garments, including hosiery and socks. With distribution in more than 50 countries on six continents, SIGVARIS, is recognized as a global industry leader in the area of compression therapy for the management of chronic venous insufficiency and venous disorders. SIGVARIS’ US manufacturing plant is located in Peachtree City, GA. SIGVARIS is a committed DVT prevention advocate. In addition to medical products, SIGVARIS also manufactures lifestyle and sports products based on its expertise in graduated compression therapy.
SIGVARIS, LIFE FOR LEGS and the leg icon are registered trademarks of Ganzoni & Cie AG, St.Gallen/Switzerland and in many countries worldwide.
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Friday, January 28, 2011
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SIGVARIS Graduated Compression Socks Keep World Famous Soccer Player, Ronaldo, in the game
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SIGVARIS is a proud manufacturer of the “famous socks” that have kept Soccer Star Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima in the game by improving circulation and alleviating pain!
SIGVARIS, the global leader of graduated compression garments and committed DVT prevention advocate, is proud to announce that superstar soccer player Ronaldo from Brazil has discovered the benefits of wearing SIGVARIS graduated compression socks during and after soccer games.
Ronaldo, who suffered from a left calf injury, finds the socks to be a crucial part of his team uniform. Ronaldo was diagnosed with a venous insufficiency problem in his left calf that could have ended his career. However, the doctor recommended SIGVARIS socks to help alleviate pain in the calf region allowing him to play.
Ronaldo, who has been named a FIFA Player of the Year three times, is not the only athlete that knows firsthand the benefits of wearing true graduated compression. Many professional athletes worldwide are using compression stockings during and after performance events to improve their results.
By compressing the leg and calf with graduated external pressure, blood flow in the veins is improved, which increases circulation and oxygen to the muscle tissue. This helps to flush out the lactic acids built up in the legs during exercise, relieving tired, aching legs and exercise-induced muscle soreness.
Endorsers of SIGVARIS’ Active Therapy Socks include Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons running back), Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts running back), David O’Meara (The One Mile Runner) and LPGA’s Brittany Lincicome.
SIGVARIS, through the Athletic Recovery line of socks, has established partnerships with established sports organizations in North America, including Road Runner’s Club of America (RRCA), USProTri, Southern Crescent Cycling Club and Cross Country Canada (CCC-skiing). SIGVARIS is supplying socks to the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts NFL football teams for practice, recovery and travel for the 2010 and 2011 football seasons. New Jersey NETS basketball is the latest addition to SIGVARIS’ sports partnerships.
About SIGVARIS
SIGVARIS® North America is part of an internationally active medical device group headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland that focuses on the development, production and distribution of medical compression garments, including hosiery and socks. With distribution in more than 50 countries on six continents, SIGVARIS is recognized as a global industry leader in the area of compression therapy for the management of venous disorders. Our US manufacturing plant is located in Peachtree City, GA.
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