The American Venous Forum (AVF) prides itself on providing insight into the venous field, unlike any otherorganization. This was apparent in 2015, as it was a year of education expansion. Not only was there an outstanding number of attendees at each AVF program, but the American Venous Forum successfully introduced a unique educational opportunity for West Coast medical professionals.

The AVF is proud to announce they are once again hosting the West Coast Vein Forum: Advancing the Treatment of Venous Disease — Addressing Challenges and Controversies in Vein Treatment. While the attendees of the inaugural West Coast Vein Forum enjoyed the meeting in Napa, CA, the next AVF West Coast Vein Forum will expand its reach of education southward to Monterey, CA, on September 8-10, 2016.

The West Coast Vein Forum was created as a unique educational opportunity in the western states for those with experience in treating venous disease. Rather than a comprehensive overview, the curriculum will focus on a variety of topics involving challenges and controversies that face the practicing vein specialist. Each session will include experts who will provide brief lectures on topics in venous treatment, followed by extended time of panel discussion and audience participation. In succeeding years other topics will be introduced, thus making this an annual opportunity for western state practitioners to stay abreast of current issues and state-of-the-art practice in venous disease.

In addition, there will be special lectures by leaders in the field to give larger perspectives on venous care:

Course Director:

• Daniel Monahan, MD – Monahan Vein Clinic

• John Blebea, MD, MBA – University of
• Oklahoma College of Medicine
• Joseph A. Caprini, MD, MS, FACS, RVT – University of Chicago Pritzker School of Surgery
• Bo G. Eklof, MD PhD – University of Lund, Sweden
• Steven Elias, MD – Englewood Hospital
• Kathleen D. Gibson, MD – Lake Washington Vascular Surgeons
• Robert L. Kistner, MD – Kistner Vein Clinic
• Fedor Lurie, MD, PhD, RPVI, RVT – Jobst Vascular Institute
• William A. Marston, MD – University of North Carolina
• Mark H. Meissner, MD – University of Washington Medical Center
• Melvin Rosenblatt, MD – Connecticut Image Guided Surgery
• Julianne Stoughton, MD – Mass General Hospital/ Harvard Medical School
• Harold Welch, MD – Lahey Clinic

The West Coast Vein Forum will provide clinicians with a unique educational opportunity beyond a basic introduction to venous disease with top-notch lectures by leaders in venous disease. Preliminary program topics will include:

• Effective methods to manage ablations in difficult situations
• The appropriate timing and use of phlebectomy and sclerotherapy
• Discussions on appropriate performance of cosmetic procedures
• Tools to manage deep and superficial phlebitis
• Understanding of how to manage varicose veins in pregnancy
• Knowledge in managing venous ulcers
• How to recognize and treat pelvic venous disorders
• Tools to manage lymphedema
• How to diagnose and treat venous malformations
• Practice management solutions

The timing and venue is ideal for the busy clinician. Held on the Monterey coast, the Monterey Plaza Hotel will provide an opportunity for an extended stay to enjoy California’s beautiful coastline. Receptions will be held each evening, giving attendees the opportunity to hold informal discussions with expert faculty and other attendees. The venous practitioner will return home with expanded knowledge and strategies for treating patients with venous disease. The West Coast Vein Forum is structured for all practitioners who include venous therapies in their practice. Registration is available online here.

*Note: the West Coast Vein Forum program and invited faculty list is subject to change.