New Officers at LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc., Burlington, Ma., a developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease, announced that David B. Roberts has been named president. In addition, Joseph P. Pellegrino is now chief financial officer. Both appointments are effective immediately. George W. LeMaitre remains chairman and chief executive officer, according to the company.

Mr. Roberts joined the company in 1997 as vice president, business development. He was promoted to chief financial officer in 2000 and was elected to the board in 2001. Mr. Roberts holds a B.A. in Business Economics and History from Brown University, where he graduated magna cum laude. He received his M.B.A from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Mr. Pellegrino joined LeMaitre in 2005 as executive vice president, finance. He holds an A.B. in Economics from Harvard College and an M.B.A from the Harvard Business School.

“Dave and JJ have complementary strengths and interests,” said Mr. LeMaitre. “We are fortunate to be able to deploy these two talented executives in the manner that best leverages their skills.”

--Staff

HED: Phlebology Is Recognized By the American Osteopathic Association as Medical Specialty

(Dr. Min and Dr. Zimmet images)

The American College of Phlebology (ACP) announced that Phlebology—the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, which afflicts approximately 80 million Americans—was recently added to the list of self-designated practice focus areas to be recognized by the American Osteopathic Association, (AOA). This action by the AOA means that osteopathic physicians, who diagnose and treat venous disorders, including varicose veins, can now have phlebology as their primary or secondary self-designated area of practice focus. This is a significant gesture because venous treatment is now recognized as a legitimate and specialized medical issue—no longer viewed as just an aesthetic procedure.

Based in Oakland, CA, the ACP is a nonprofit multi-specialty organization that is committed to improving standards of practice and patient care in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. Members are both DOs (i.e. an osteopathic physician who approaches medicine in a holistic way, treating all aspects of the patients’ medical problem), or MDs ( i.e. allopathic physician whose practice roots may be traced back to vascular surgery, dermatology, general surgery, interventional radiology, cosmetic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, family and general practice, emergency medicine and anesthesiology).

The Medicine of Phlebology

Phlebology is the medical discipline that involves the diagnosis and treatment of venous disorders such as spider veins, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, venous leg ulcers, congenital venous abnormalities, venous thromboembolism, and other disorders of venous origin. Diagnostics techniques include knowledge of the patients’ medical history, physical examinations, venous imaging techniques such as duplex ultrasound, CT (Computed Axial Tomography) and MR (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), plethysmographic techniques, in addition to laboratory evaluation related to venous thromboembolism. Therapeutic interventions and treatments consist of compression, sclerotheraphy, foam sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotheraphy, cutaneous vasoactive medications, and the management of venous thromboembolism. For decades now, physicians have understood that venous disorders require specialized skill and vast, medical comprehension. This acknowledgement by the AOA gives a legitimate face and validity to this diverse background of expert specialists who are authorities at treating vein disorders.

No Longer Seen as Just a Cosmetic Treatment

“The acceptance of phlebology as a medical science has been long awaited among physicians dedicated to treating venous disease,” explained Dr. Robert Min, President of the ACP and acting chairman of radiology at Weill Cornell Medical College. “With both the AOA and the American Medical Association, (AMA) identifying phlebology as an area of medicine practiced by its physicians, the legitimacy of phlebology as field of medicine rendering medically necessary vein care as opposed to mere cosmetic concerns has been recognized.” Furthermore, Min added that medical insurance carriers have recognized the need for phlebologic treatments and offer benefits for vein procedures utilizing new FDA approved devices.

The Study of Phlebology Is Growing

“It’s tremendous that the AOA is recognizing phlebology as a focus of medical practice,” said Samuel Coor, DO, Washington state-based phlebologist, and associate editor of Vein Line. “Topics related to venous disease are appearing in medical journals in record numbers; medical textbooks are beginning to incorporate new information. As phlebologist we have experts’ knowledge to share with our colleagues.”

At the University Medical Group-Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, South Carolina, reputed Marcus Stanbro, DO, FABVM, has contributed many hours imparting his knowledge of phlebology to fellows and other interested physicians by donning world-wide lectures. As a former recipient of the ACP’s BNS-Jobst Research Award, Dr. Stanbro explains, “as a DO, I’m proud to contribute to the field of phlebology and am even more proud the AOA has recognized us.” In addition, he emphasized that the acknowledgement by the AOA is more about improving patients’ quality of life and ameliorated public health and awareness. “It is a giant stride forward,” added Dr. Stanbro.

The Future of Phlebology

To further advance the field of phlebology, the ACP created the Foundation for the Future of Phlebology. This affiliate organization seeks to secure the financial support necessary to advance the educational and medical research needs of practicing phlebologists. “It is by pursuing education that the knowledge and skill required to properly diagnose and treat venous disorders is attained. Insights gained through research and technological advancements will continue to change the face of this field of medicine,” explained N. Scott Howell, DO, and a Florida phlebologist who serves on the ACP Professional Education Committee.

For more information about The American College of Phlebology please visit www.phlebology.org or call (510) 834-6500.

--Staff