February 10-13, in Amelia Island, FL

Breakthrough research, up-to-date treatment protocols and an exchange of knowledge among the leaders in venous disease are the focus of the 22nd Annual Meeting of the American venous Forum (AvF), February 10-1?, on Amelia island, FL. More than 600 vascular and general surgeons, interventional radiologists, interventional cardiologists, phlebologists, plastic surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other medical professionals who treat venous disease are expected to attend.

“The objective of the annual meeting is to provide and share knowledge about effective clinical management of venous disease and discuss the future direction of research and treatment,” said Joseph A. Caprini, MD, President, AvF. “we hope that all those who treat venous disease on a regular basis consider attending our multi-faceted educational program to learn about cutting-edge treatments and research so that we can improve patient care for venous disease across the board.”The AvF is an international consortium of venous and lymphatic specialists dedicated to improving patient care. its mission is to promote venous and lymphatic health through innovative research, education and technology.

The AvF’s annual meeting offers am array of programs over the course of five days. Multiple symposia, presentations and workshops are available on a range of clinical issues related to venous disease. Highlights include:

• Scientific sessions that provide an in-depth look deep vein thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency, superficial vein disease, IVC and filters, lymphedema and compression and other critical aspects of venous disease.
• Symposium on community practices, including coding, billing and insurance
• Symposium offered by the American College of Phlebology that covers endovenous thermal ablation, treatment of leg veins, duplex examination and anatomy guiding therapy
• Two Ask-the-Experts Sessions: VTE Management and Venous Thrombolysis
• Lunch symposium topics include venous hemodynamics and the impact of new pharmaceutical and device manufacturers’ codes and regulations on research and education.
• Workshops on calf vein imaging; reflux, caval occlusion; wound care and IVUS interpretation
• The D. Eugene Strandness Memorial Lecture, given by Dr. Manuel Monreal Bosch of Barcelona, Spain, who will speak on the RIETE Database and Multiple Clinical Perspectives.
• A Post-Graduate Course that will feature “Pro and Con Debates” on topics including stent grafting, criteria for caval interruption devices and more.

American Medical Association (AMA) Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA) Category 1 Credits™ will be provided for select program elements.

In addition, there will be industry updates and exhibits from a select group of companies that offer the latest products for diagnosis and treatment of venous disease.

“As the education aspects of other societies and organizations become less for more, the AvF maintains a strenuous educational effort at a reasonable cost. Thank you. Good mix of medicine and industry,” said 2009 attendee evaluation (vascular surgeon of Bremerton, wA).

Meeting attendees and their families will enjoy the mid-winter getaway to the Ritz Carlton, Amelia island, which is easily accessible via Jacksonville international Airport. Located on a quarter mile of pristine coastline on the
Atlantic coast, the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia island is a natural playground, offering an abundance of activities and adventures for guests of all ages. Guests can spend the day exploring the history and nature of the island with a variety of tours and excursions, or simply relax by the oceanfront pool. Sports enthusiasts can hit the links on a PGA Championship golf course or receive expert instruction at the newly renovated tennis facilities, while younger guests enjoy the interactive fun and games of the kids program or the private teen lounge.

Additional information about the American venous Forum and the 22nd Annual Meeting is available online at www.veinforum.org. Those who are unable to attend this year’s meeting can look forward to the AvF’s 2?rd Annual Meeting, February 2?-26, 2011 at the new Hilton Bay Front Hotel, San Diego, California.


David L. Gillespie, MD, RVT, FACS, is the Program Director of the Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency and Fellowship Program and a Professor of Surgery in the Division of Vascular Surgery at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Dr. David L. Gillespie