Dr. Enrico Ascher, Executive Director of the FJVIS has described and tested a new educational platform that allows for a better scientific interaction between the FJVIS and a major national or international Symposium. The Symposium may be sponsored by a regional Society, a Medical University or an independent entity.

The proposed model includes an e-mail invitation by the sponsoring organization to the Executive director of the FJVIS ([email protected]), travel and accommodation expenses for 3 or 4 FJVIS speakers and the creation of a 2-hour FJVIS Session with 7 or 8 speakers. Three or four speakers will be selected by the FJVIS and the remaining 4 speakers by the local scientific committee. The subject of the FJVIS Session will be adjusted according to the wishes of the local organizing committee. If their schedule permit FJVIS speakers may be invited to give other presentations during the Symposium.

We are indebted to Professor Francesco Spinelli and Professor Carlo Setacci. Both were instrumental in making the connection between the FJVIS and Professor Felice Pecoraro from Palermo, Italy. Moreover, they were both superb Moderators for the FJVIS Session in Palermo.

Thanks to the expertise, commitment, and leadership of Dr. Felice Pecoraro, Professor Ordinario di Chirurgia Vascolare, Universita degli Studi di Palermo, the first such combined meeting in Europe was a resounding success. High-ranking officials from the City of Palermo, numerous Chairs of Vascular Surgery from across Italy and other European countries in addition to a sophisticated state-of-the-art scientific program made the Aggiornamenti Di Chirurgia Vascolare – 2023 a memorable one.

 

The theme of the FJVIS’ Session was lower extremity ischemia. The scientific program was initiated by Dr. Gloviczki, President of the FJVIS, who gave an excellent talk on his critical appraisal of the two most important prospective randomized studies on open surgery versus endovascular therapies CLTI. Dr. Ascher followed and share his experience with several limb salvage techniques that he developed over many years as a busy limb salvage surgeon. Dr. Lumsden called our attention to the fact that surgeons in general were concentrating on measuring patency rates rather than focusing on occlusion composition which could lead to better device selection. Following a warm welcoming personal message to Professor Pecoraro and to all Italian vascular surgeons Dr. Frank Veith gave an important and well-delivered lecture on the historical perspective on critical limb ischemia and its treatment from amputation to bypass to endovascular interventions. Dr. Veith’s numerous contributions to salvaging lower limbs ravaged by advanced arteriosclerosis are recognized and utilized effectively worldwide.

The FJVIS Session was beautifully complemented by Professor Gargiulo who gave a thoughtful review of the Global Guidelines. Next, a series of talks addressed various options available for treating CLTI. Professor Veroux detailed and illustrated the modern endovascular therapies available while Professor Benedetto critically reviewed the surgical approaches. Lastly, Professor Pecoraro shared with us his excellent clinical experience with hybrid approaches in the contemporary management of CLTI.

It was a worthwhile experience for all participants. Thank you, Italy!