European Society for Vascular Surgery

In this episode, with Prof. Tilo Kölbel, we discuss the significant risks associated with air embolism during aortic surgery, the innovative technique of CO2 flushing of aortic endografts, and the practical tips and tricks of implementing this technique in clinical practice. The conversation also touches on current guidelines and the future of CO2 flushing in endovascular protocols, emphasising it...

The war in Gaza has been described as a humanitarian catastrophe. Ever since the war began 2 years ago, following the October 7th attack by Hamas it is estimated that over 68,000 people have been killed, with a further 180,000 injured. Thousands have been displaced, and many have suffered starvation and famine because of the Israeli blockade. The plight of medics trying to treat civilians has also...

Aortic stent infections remain among the most feared and complex complications in vascular surgery—rare but devastating when they occur. In episode, recorded live in ESVS Istanbul, Dr. Laurence Bertrand speaks with Dr. Anne Le Jay , about complex aortic reconstruction and graft infection management. Together, they examine how vascular specialists are redefining best practice: from early recognitio...

Recorded live during the ESVS Annual Meeting, this episode brings together two experts shaping the field of oncovascular surgery Dr. Pirkka Vikatmaa and Dr. Stefano Ancetti. We explore how multidisciplinary oncovascular teams are transforming cancer surgery, the expanding role of vascular surgeons in complex tumour resections, and the use of endovascular techniques in oncovascular surgery.

In this episode, recorded live at the 39th ESVS Annual Meeting, we sit down with Prof. Javier Pascual , a podiatrist specialised in diabetic foot care and wound biomechanics. Together, we explore the biomechanical principles behind the most common diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) — why they develop, how abnormal pressure and gait contribute to tissue breakdown, and what clinicians can do to enhance hea...

Join us for another episode in our journey into the secret lives of vascular machines and devices. In this episode, we look at the ubiquitous vascular stent. Ever wondered who invented them and when they were first used to treat vascular disease? Ever thought about why they are made of stainless steel or nitinol? In fact, what actually is Nitinol? All your burning questions answered in this podcas...

Only about 50% of patients with chronic diseases adhere to treatment recommendations, and the consequences can be devastating. In this thought-provoking episode of the ESVS Podcasts, we delve into this important and under-discussed issue. Together with Professor Khadija Hafidh, we analyse some factors that help explain why so many patients struggle with adherence, as well as some strategies that h...

As vascular surgeons, we all use various pieces of equipment and technology in our day jobs. Everything from the hand-held Doppler to complex ultrasound machines, CT and MRI scanners. Every time we treat vascular disease we use some form of technology, be it an angioplasty balloon, stent or a vascular graft. We are surrounded by technology and use it all the time, but how many of us actually have...

In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Alberto Settembrini and Associate Professor Ashley K. Vavra to discuss the application of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. We explore how ERAS principles are adapted for both open and endovascular AAA repair, covering key elements such as preoperative risk assessment, anaesthetic management, earl...

In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Kate McGinigle – vascular surgeon, researcher, and expert in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). We explore the role of ERAS protocols in optimising outcomes for vascular surgery patients, with a focus on preoperative risk assessment, nutritional support, and structured prehabilitation. Drawing on clinical data and implementation experience, Prof. McGinig...

In Part 2 of our wound care series, we shift focus to what happens on the wound bed itself. From negative pressure therapy to advanced dressings and skin grafts – this episode is all about local treatment strategies. Our expert guests, dermatologist Dr. Magdalena Antoszewska and wound care nurse Kamila Mazuryk, walk us through practical solutions, clinical tips, and the logic behind what works (an...

In a short series of podcasts, we are going to explore the evolving field of complex thoracic aortic repair, with a particular focus on complex endovascular devices implanted in the aortic arch or even the ascending aorta, that is, zones 0 to 2. In today’s episode, we are going to dig into proximal landing zone 2, that is, the need to place the TEVAR device between the left carotid and the left su...

In this thought-provoking episode of the ESVS Podcast we delve into an important and under-discussed issue in vascular surgery: Are women left behind in carotid stenosis treatment? Carotid stenosis is a contributor to ischemic strokes, and some papers show women may experience delays or suboptimal care in comparison to men. In this episode, we will listen to Professor Barbara Rantner, a senior con...

What role will AI, smart bandages, and regenerative therapies play in the future of wound care? Dr. Kirsi Isoherranen (Immediate Past President of the European Wound Management Association) joins us to explore how advanced technology is reshaping diagnostics, wound bed preparation, and chronic wound treatment, especially for diabetic and ischaemic ulcers. This conversation covers both frontline cl...

Join us for a compelling episode of the ESVS Podcast as we explore the sex disparities in aortic disease with two experts in aortic surgery in women — Dr. Carlota Fernandez-Prendes and Dr. Anna-Louise Pouncey. In this episode, we discuss why women remain under-represented in clinical trials, which subgroups may benefit most from targeted screening, and why women face higher complication rates afte...

With today's guests, Koen Vree Egberts and Desiree van Noord, we dive into this open-access paper. The study revealed that a stenosis exceeding 50% in the superior mesenteric (SMA) or inferior mesenteric artery on pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scan correlates with an elevated risk of anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal surgery. These findings suggest the potential for more personali...

Welcome to the final episode of our ESVS Vascular Fundamentals podcasts. In the last episode, we looked at some basic venous physiology. In this podcast, we will be looking at the haemodynamics of specific venous disorders such as acute venous thrombosis, primary varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. Ever wondered why exactly a DVT causes limb swelling? What happens to the venous physio...

Welcome to Part 3 of our ESVS Vascular Fundamentals series of podcasts. In the last two podcasts we concentrated on arterial haemodynamics; now it's the turn of the venous system. In this episode we look at what constitutes venous pressure and flow. How does blood flow in this low pressure system with what are effectively collapsible tubes. We explain what happens to venous pressure on standing an...

Welcome to the second episode of our ESVS Vascular Fundamentals podcast series. In the last episode, we looked at the relationship of pressure, flow and resistance and how they interact in the circulation. In part 2, we will be examining how these parameters are affected during exercise, intermittent claudication and limb ischaemia. We will also examine the haemodynamics of vascular grafts and aor...

Join us for the first of our series of Vascular Fundamentals podcasts. In our first episode, we will be breaking down the basics of arterial haemodynamics looking at the physiology of the circulation and how an understanding of it aids our decision making as vascular surgeons. We will attempt to explain the relationship between pressure, flow and peripheral resistance and how they are affected in...

In this podcast, Prof. Matthew Popplewell, lead investigator, discusses the BASIL-3 RCT, diving into the trial's design, the recruitment challenges, the statistical power, and the relevance of its findings to current clinical practice. The discussion also touches on the demographics of the patient population involved in the trial, the underrepresentation of women in vascular trials, the mortality...

Nationally and internationally, there is a growing awareness of radiation exposure, safety, and protection. In 2023, the ESVS issued a new guideline on radiation safety. In addition, there is growing attention to pregnant healthcare workers. This paper openly discusses the intersection of radiation safety and pregnancy. It was published as an Editor’s Choice paper in EJVES December 2024. Find the...

In this episode of our series of podcasts looking at the new ESVS Vascular Trauma Guidelines, Laurence Bertrand and Justin Woolgar interview Professor Bala Pillay, Head of the Durban Metropolitan Vascular Service and Professor Damian Clarke, Head of the Pietermaritzburg Trauma Service, to find out what the guidelines mean and the challenges faced by vascular and trauma surgeons in developing count...

Join us for another interview with Prof. Dr. Carl M. Wahlgren and Prof. Dr. Lazar B. Davidovic, two of the writers of the Vascular Trauma Guidelines Committee. This episode focuses on the paediatric vascular trauma, but also overall gaps in the knowledge and the patient perspective. This is Part 4 of our Vascular Trauma Guideline Series, Enjoy!

Join us for an interview with two of the writers of the vascular trauma guideline committee, focusing on the extremity and abdominal sections. This is Part 3 of our Vascular Trauma Guideline Series. Enjoy!