July/August Issue of Vein Specialist
Pulmonary Embolism Care:
Venous Journal Club takes a deep dive
Allison DeGroff
Director of Strategic Initiatives
The American Venous Forum
In May, the AVF Continuing Education Committee hosted another gathering of the Venous Journal Club. The webinar was generously supported by an educational grant from Boston Scientific and is part of the AVF Confluence, the Forum’s ongoing web-based educational series.
The hour-long interactive conversation was moderated by Misaki Kiguchi, MD and focused on two important articles.
- Modern Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism (USCDT vs MT): Results From a Real-World, Big Data Analysis
- Faculty: Natalie Sridharan, MD, MS; University of Pittsburgh
- Presenting Resident: Mikayla Lowenkamp, MD; University of Pittsburgh
- Author: Kush Desai, MD; Northwestern University
- Rationale and Design of the HI-PEITHO Study
- Faculty: Linda Le, MD; Houston Methodist Hospital
- Presenting Resident: Annabella Olson, MD; Houston Methodist Hospital
- Author: Kenneth Rosenfield, MD; Harvard
Nearly 160 registrants joined this session, with more than half of them attending the event in real-time. Those who couldn’t join then had the opportunity to access a recording of the webinar to watch at their convenience.
The Continuing Education Committee plans to host several other AVF Confluence events in the coming months. Announcements regarding topics and registration will be sent via email.
If you have questions or a topic suggestion for future events, contact Allison DeGroff, AVF Director of Strategic Initiatives, at [email protected].
AVF and the Road to Africa:
EAVLA bridging Africa to the world
Ahmed Gaweesh, MD, MSc, PhD
Consultant Vascular Surgery
Alexandria University, Egypt
Vice President of EAVLA
International Representative for the AVF
Board Chairman iVein Clinics Group
As the curtain fell on the recent Egypt & Africa Venous Lymphatic Association (EAVLA) conference, a profound sense of achievement and unity filled the atmosphere. This event brought together leading experts from around the globe to discuss the latest advances in venous and lymphatic health, showcasing EAVLA’s pivotal role in this field across Africa and beyond.
Since its inception in 2019, EAVLA, a not-for-profit organization, has aimed to promote education and innovation in venous and lymphatic disorders. This year’s conference featured collaborations with the American Venous Forum (AVF), the European College of Phlebology (ECoP), the International Compression Club (ICC), and the Egyptian Vascular and Endovascular Society (EVES). These partnerships fostered diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research.
The conference was rich with lectures from esteemed experts. Attendees gained valuable knowledge on new techniques and technologies revolutionizing the field. Each lecture or workshop illuminated the path forward in venous care.
One of the most exciting highlights was the debate session led by Professor Alun Davies. The room buzzed with excitement as experts debated topics like perforator interventions, the treatment of tributary veins, and the role of ablation in post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). These debates provided a dynamic platform for exploring different viewpoints.
Equally engaging were the Expert Panel Corner Discussions, which raised interesting and controversial topics. These sessions received positive feedback, offering attendees the opportunity to gain insights and engage in meaningful dialogue.
The conference also featured a Rotary session as well as a business meeting between the AVF leadership, headed by Ruth Bush, MD, JD, and key leaders from many African countries, who aimed to promote future wider collaborations.
The conference was not all work and no play. With the venue in the majestic center of Cairo directly on the Nile, attendees enjoyed a gala dinner with a magnificent view. They also explored Egypt’s rich cultural heritage through organized tours to historical sites. Some guests enjoyed a weekend trip to El Gouna, which provided a relaxed setting for networking and forging lasting memories.
Reflecting on the conference’s successes, it is clear that the future of venous practice in the region looks bright. The real heroes were the attendees, whose engagement drove the conference’s success. The integration of new technologies and personalized care models will improve patient outcomes and expand access to high-quality venous treatments. The partnerships forged and knowledge shared at this conference will serve as a foundation for future advances.
The role of organizations like the AVF in providing cutting-edge science and fostering international collaboration is more important than ever. Equally crucial is EAVLA’s leadership in promoting venous and lymphatic health in Africa and the region. Together, we can continue to bridge continents, share knowledge, and drive innovation in the venous arena.
AVF Leadership Attends Flebopanam 2024 in Paraguay
Allie Sherrill
AVF Staff
The AVF is excited to attend so many great meetings around the world! Drs Julianna Stoughton and Alvarro Orrego recently attended Flebopanam 2024 in Acuncion, Paraguay. Here are some photos!
LE@RN Report
William Repicci
President & CEO of LE@RN
The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) has released their National Indicator Report on Cancer-Related Lymphedema, a groundbreaking publication on lymphedema’s impact and care in the US. This first-of-its-kind report addresses the critical shortage of public health data and provides important advocacy discussion points.
Key facts:
- An estimated 10 million Americans live with lymphedema
- Lymphedema affects people of all demographics
- It’s often overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment
- Gaps in medical education contribute to low awareness among providers
AVF Member Spotlight
Loay Kabbani, MD
AVF Health Policy Committee Member
American Medical Association Delegate
AVF Member since March 2019
We are very fortunate to have Dr Kabbani as an AVF member. We hope you enjoy getting to know Dr Kabbani as much as we did!
Loay Kabbani,MD is a senior staff member and program director of the vascular surgery fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He received his medical degree from the University of Damascus, then completed his general surgery training at Henry Ford Hospital. He finished his training in vascular surgery at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is an associate professor of surgery at Wayne State University School of Medicine and Michigan State University.
Dr Kabbani has a passion for teaching and has won numerous teaching awards. His interests are in complex aortic surgery, acute limb ischemia, social economic disparities, and venous disorders.
He has written more than 80 papers and book chapters. In addition to the AVF, he has had multiple positions on the committees of the APDVS, SVS, and AHA. He is an associate editor of VSCORE and is a section editor of VESAP.
We asked Dr. Kabbani a few questions pertaining to his membership and vision for AVF:
Why did you join the AVF?
- Kabbani joined the American Venous Forum because of his passion for venous disease that was inspired by his mentors Drs Thomas Wakefield and John Pfeifer. The AVF truly is the premier society for venous disease. The AVF provides a platform for networking, sharing research, and contributing to the development of venous medicine.
What made you want to serve in leadership roles such as your participation on the AVF Health Policy Committee and as AVF’s representative to the AMA House of Delegates?
- My desire to serve in a leadership role stems from my commitment to improving patient care and education. By taking on leadership responsibilities, I can influence policies, promote best practices, and help guide the direction of venous surgery and research.
What is your vision for the AVF over the next 3 years?
- I envision the AVF as a dynamic community that fosters collaboration among venous disease specialists, researchers, and industry partners. The AVF is the premier venous society that offers enhanced educational programs, encourages innovative research, and advocates for equitable access to venous care. My goal is to help elevate the AVF’s impact on patient outcomes and professional development.
