European Society for Vascular Surgery

Vascular Graft and Endograft Infection Workshop with B. Saleem & X. Berard 04.06.2026 18m

Recorded live at the ESVS Vascular Graft and Endograft Infection Workshop in Groningen, this episode explores one of the most challenging complications in vascular surgery. We spoke with Prof. Ben Saleem, Prof. Xavier Berard, and workshop participants about diagnosis, treatment strategies, difficult clinical decisions, and the key lessons learned from this unique hands-on course. A practical discussion on managing vascular graft infections, featuring expert insights and real-world experience from across Europe.

Imaging Of Distal Tibial Vessels In Diabetics With Quiescent Interval Single Shot (QISS ) MRA with A. Crichton 21.05.2026 25m

In this podcast, we are joined by Dr Alex Crichton, researcher at the Trisha Roy Vascular laboratory at Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas, to discuss how QISS MRA can be used to image tibial vessels that are often missed by more conventional forms of imaging such as CT angiography, ultrasound duplex imaging or digital subtraction angiography. Diabetic patients can be especially challenging in selecting target vessels for treatment because of the presence of calcium in the vessel wall and the distal nature of the disease. Furthermore, many of these patients have impaired renal function where the use of contrast media can be detrimental. In this episode, Dr Crichton explains the work being done with QISS MRA to enable visualisation of these so called “hibernating vessels” and also how it can be used to characterise plaque morphology and the suitability for endovascular intervention.

Sac shrinkage after EVAR: a true marker of success or a misleading signal? with K. Mani 14.05.2026 15m

Rosalinda D’Amico interviews Prof. Kevin Mani on one of the key controversies in EVAR follow-up: is aneurysm sac shrinkage truly a marker of success, or can it sometimes provide false reassurance? They discuss the current definition of sac regression, the importance of timing and sac stability and whether sac shrinkage should influence surveillance strategies. The episode also explores the role of CTA versus duplex ultrasound and the future potential of volumetric and AI-based assessment in EVAR surveillanceReferences:Tinelli G, D'Oria M, Sica S, Mani K, Rancic Z, Resch TA, Beccia F, Azizzadeh A, Da Volta Ferreira MM, Gargiulo M, Lepidi S, Tshomba Y, Oderich GS, Haulon S; SLIM F-U EVAR, Collaborative Study Group. The sac evolution imaging follow-up after endovascular aortic repair: An international expert opinion-based Delphi consensus study. J Vasc Surg. 2024 Sep;80(3):937-945. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2024.03.007. Epub 2024 Mar 8. PMID: 38462062.

The Invisible Risk Factor for PAD: Air Pollution with A. Settembrini 07.05.2026 18m

In this episode of the ESVS Podcast, we explore air pollution as an often-overlooked risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).We are joined by Professor Alberto Maria Settembrini. Professor Settembrini is a vascular surgeon in Milan in MultiMedica and Professor of vascular surgery at Unicamillus University in Rome. He is a co-author of a large Rome-based longitudinal study involving over 1.7 million individuals. The study shows that long-term exposure to PM2.5, NO₂, and black carbon is associated with increased PAD incidence, with stronger effects in males and people aged 55–69.Professor Settembrini discusses the links between different pollutants and PAD, how pollution interacts with traditional risk factors (obesity, diabetes, smoking, hypertension), the underlying mechanisms, and practical advice for vascular specialists in daily practice.During the episode, we also hear from Porto’s City Councillor for the Mobility and Transportation, Engineer Hugo Beirão, who shares the city’s efforts to improve urban health.References:1- Ravalli S, Musumeci G, et al. Chelation therapy in patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022;11(4):1033. doi:10.3390/jcm110410332- Serra R, Abramo A, Ielapi N, Procopio S, Marino P. Environmental pollution and peripheral artery disease. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2021;14:2181–2190.3- Liao SH, Chiu CS, Jang LH, Hu SY, How CK, Hsieh VCR, et al. Long-term exposures to air pollutants and risk of peripheral arterial occlusive disease: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022;9:796423.4- Gwon JG, Park JH, Kim JS, Seo HM. Exposure to long-term air pollution and incidence of peripheral arterial disease in the general population: a national population-based retrospective cohort study. [Preprint]. 2021.5- Deng Z, Duan L, Wang K. Revisiting the association between air pollution and peripheral artery disease: evidence from Mendelian randomization analysis. Eur J Intern Med. 2025;132:164–166.6- Di Blasi C, Nobile F, Settembrini AM, Stafoggia M, Davoli M, Michelozzi P, et al. Association between long-term exposure to air pollution and incidence of peripheral artery disease: evidence from a longitudinal study. Eur J Intern Med. 2025;132:113–117.

ESVS 2026 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Descending Thoracic and Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Diseases - Part 3 23.04.2026 18m

In this episode, we’ll focus on the final sections of the guideline, which deal with rupture, trauma, and post-operative complications. These are scenarios where decisions are often made under time pressure, evidence is limited, and outcomes can be profoundly affected by organisation of care, experience, and judgement.Guests:Prof. Anders WanhainenDr. Carlota Fernández-Prendes Prof. Athanasios Katsargyris

ESVS 2026 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Descending Thoracic and Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Diseases - Part 2 16.04.2026 28m

Welcome back to the ESVS Podcasts. This is Suzanne Stokmans, and you are listening to part 2 of the Q&A series on the ESVS 2026 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Descending Thoracic and Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Diseases.In this episode, we move from the general principles discussed in part 1 to disease-specific management. We’ll focus on acute thoracic aortic syndromes, chronic type B aortic dissection, and degenerative descending thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms, conditions that make up a large part of daily aortic practice, where decision-making is often nuanced and time-critical.Full names of guests:Prof. Anders WanhainenDr. Carlota Fernández Prendes Prof. Athanasios Katsargyris.

ESVS 2026 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Descending Thoracic and Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Diseases - Part 1 09.04.2026 20m

In today’s episode, the first of this three-part series, we will discuss the opening section of the guideline: service standards and general considerations. Before moving to specific disease entities or operative strategies, the guideline deliberately starts with the fundamentals — how care should be organised, how patients should be assessed, and which general principles should guide our decision making.Full names of guests:Prof. Anders WanhainenDr. Carlota Fernández Prendes Prof. Athanasios Katsargyris.

Chronic Venous Disease: The Treatment is Clear… But Do Patients Follow It? - with D. Celovska & A. Pathak 26.03.2026 24m

In this episode of the ESVS Podcast, supported by Servier, we explore the importance of therapy adherence in chronic venous disease (CVD). The episode opens with short patient testimonies, highlighting real-world reasons for non-adherence.To explore this further, we are joined by Professor Denisa Celovska and Professor Atul Pathak. Professor Celovska is an Associate Professor of Angiology and Internal Medicine at the University Hospital and Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. She is currently the President of the Slovak Angiology Society. Professor Pathak is the Head of the National Institute of Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery and Interventional Cardiology in Luxembourg.In this episode, they share their clinical perspective on why patients frequently disengage from treatment, the most common barriers to adherence in daily practice, and practical strategies to improve long-term treatment persistence.The episode also includes insights from a community pharmacist, offering a complementary view on what happens between prescription and real-life use, particularly regarding venoactive drugs. We conclude by emphasising that effective CVD management extends beyond prescribing treatment. Patient education, shared decision-making, follow-up, and human connection are essential to improve adherence and long-term outcomes in CVD.References:Kim H, Cho S, Lee K, Lee SH, Joh JH. A nationwide study of compliance of venoactive drugs in chronic venous disease patients. Ann Surg Treat Res. 2023 May;104(5):288-295. doi: 10.4174/astr.2023.104.5.288. Epub 2023 Apr 28. PMID: 37179697; PMCID: PMC10172027.Burnier M. The role of adherence in patients with chronic diseases. Eur J Intern Med. 2024 Jan;119:1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.07.008. Epub 2023 Jul 20. PMID: 37479633.Mezalek ZT, Feodor T, Chernukha L, Chen Z, Rueda A, Sánchez IE, Ochoa AJG, Chirol J, Blanc-Guillemaud V, Lohier-Durel C, Ulloa JH. VEIN STEP: A Prospective, Observational, International Study to Assess Effectiveness of Conservative Treatments in Chronic Venous Disease. Adv Ther. 2023 Nov;40(11):5016-5036. doi: 10.1007/s12325-023-02643-6. Epub 2023 Sep 20. Erratum in: Adv Ther. 2024 Jan;41(1):464-465. doi: 10.1007/s12325-023-02722-8. Erratum in: Adv Ther. 2024 Jun;41(6):2540-2541. doi: 10.1007/s12325-024-02857-2. PMID: 37728696; PMCID: PMC10567827.Bogachev, V., Arribas, J.M.J., Baila, S. et al. Management and evaluation of treatment adherence and effectiveness in chronic venous disorders: results of the international study VEIN Act Program. Drugs Ther Perspect 35, 396–404 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-019-00637-5Golna C, Poimenidou C, Giannoukari EE, Saridi M, Liberopoulos E, Souliotis K. Assessing a pharmacist-enabled intervention to improve adherence to medication for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic venous circulation disorders in Greece. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2023;17:3341–3352. doi:10.2147/PPA.S4208116. Branisteanu DE, Munteanu AE, Dolofan BM, Popescu EG, Vittos O. Adherence to pharmacological treatment in chronic venous disease: results of a real-world, prospective, observational cohort study. Life (Basel). 2025;15(3):377. doi:10.3390/life15030377.7. Ulloa JH, Guerra D, Cadavid LG, Fajardo D, Villarreal R, Bayona G, Hoyos AS, Garcia G. Nonoperative approach for symptomatic patients with chronic venous disease: results from the VEIN Act program. Phlebolymphology. 2018;25(2):123Servier is a financial sponsor of this podcast, which has been independently developed by the presenters and does not constitute medical advice from Servier. Always consult the Instructions for Use (IFU) prior to using any medical device.

Vascular Graft and Endograft Infection – Building a Common Language with T. Wyss and K. Sörelius 19.03.2026 21m

In this episode of the ESVS Podcast, we tackle one of medicine’s most deceptively simple challenges : agreeing on what we’re actually talking about. Vascular graft and endograft infections (VGEI) are rare, serious, and universally dreaded, but when it comes to defining them, classifying them, and reporting outcomes, it turns out the vascular world hasn’t always been speaking the same language. Safa Riahi is joined by Dr Thomas Wyss and Dr Karl Sörelius to discuss a recent international Delphi consensus that brought together 43 multidisciplinary experts to do something surprisingly difficult: agree on definitions. From the long-standing debate over early versus late infection, to the subtle but clinically important difference between graft-enteric erosion and fistula, to the brave attempt to define what “cure” actually means in a disease that likes to relapse when you least expect it, this episode explores how a shared vocabulary might finally help researchers compare studies, registries make sense, and multidisciplinary teams argue a little more productively. As it turns out, building a common language might be one of the most important steps toward better science; and better care; in VGEI.The Delphi consensus discussed in this episode can be accessed here:https://www.ejves.com/article/S1078-5884(25)00707-5/

Aortic Dissections – The Asian Perspective with P. Robless 12.03.2026 22m

How common are aortic dissections in Asia, and why do some patients appear to present nearly a decade earlier than in Western cohorts? Laurence Bertrand speaks with Dr. Peter Robless, founder of vascular surgery at the national university hospital of Singapore and former President of the Asian Society for Vascular Surgery, about Asian epidemiology, treatment approaches, and evolving endovascular practice.

The Secret Life Of MRI/MRA 05.03.2026 19m

Join us for another episode in our Secret Lives series of podcasts, where we delve into the science behind some of the everyday tools and equipment we use in the field of vascular surgery. In this episode, we will be taking a look at what is probably one of the most fearfully complicated pieces of equipment out there, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI scanner. A true marvel of applied physics and engineering that combines super-conducting magnets and radio-frequency to produce some of the most detailed medical imaging available. We will also take a look at how MR angiography works and how to interpret those grainy MRA images. No need to get confused with those T1 and T2 imaging sequences anymore; All will be explained! With Justin Woolgar.

ESVS 2025 Mesenteric Ischaemia Guidelines Q&A - Pt 3 - with Guidelines Writing Committee 19.02.2026 34m

Welcome to the final episode of the Q&A series of the 2025 ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Diseases of the Mesenteric and Renal Arteries and Veins. The final episode completes the Q&A series by addressing several important and often rare vascular conditions covered in the 2025 ESVS guidelines.Topics include acute and chronic mesenteric venous thrombosis, anticoagulation strategies and the role of DOACs, and indications for endovascular or surgical intervention. The discussion then turns to renal vascular disease, including renal artery stenosis, fibromuscular dysplasia, and Nutcracker syndrome. The episode concludes with an overview of visceral artery aneurysms and spontaneous isolated dissections of the mesenteric and renal arteries, focusing on diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment thresholds. This concluding episode offers a comprehensive overview of the remaining guideline chapters and practical insights for clinical decision-making.Full names of guests:Dr. Mark Koelemay Professor Dr. Bob Geelkerken Dr. Nicola Leone Dr. Jussi Kärkkäinen (Part 2)Shownotes:https://www.ejves.com/article/S1078-5884(25)00516-7/fulltexthttps://open.spotify.com/episode/45Hk77hIyikYNcWklAyVMAhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/58yEYHdIdh7IgVQY13gcmk

ESVS 2025 Mesenteric Ischaemia Guidelines Q&A - Pt 2 - with Guidelines Writing Committee 12.02.2026 40m

Welcome to part 2 of the Q&A series of the 2025 ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Diseases of the Mesenteric and Renal Arteries and Veins. In this podcast, we will highlight the new, complex and most controversial recommendations in this guideline. In episode two, the discussion moves to Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS), acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI), and non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia (NOMI)—three challenging and clinically relevant conditions.The experts explore patient selection and diagnostic criteria for MALS, ongoing controversies in treatment, and current research. The episode also covers the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and updated diagnostic approach to acute mesenteric ischaemia, including why biomarkers such as lactate and D-dimer are no longer recommended for diagnosis. Finally, management strategies for NOMI, including multidisciplinary care and intra-arterial vasodilator therapy, are discussed.Guests:Dr. Mark Koelemay Professor Dr. Bob Geelkerken Dr. Nicola Leone Dr. Jussi Kärkkäinen (Part 2) Shownotes:https://www.ejves.com/article/S1078-5884(25)00516-7/fulltexthttps://open.spotify.com/episode/45Hk77hIyikYNcWklAyVMAhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/58yEYHdIdh7IgVQY13gcmk

ESVS 2025 Mesenteric Ischaemia Guidelines Q&A - Pt 1 - with Guidelines Writing Committee 05.02.2026 31m

This is part 1 of the Q&A series of the 2025 ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Diseases of the Mesenteric and Renal Arteries and Veins. In this podcast, we will highlight the new, complex and most controversial recommendations in this guideline. Today, for the first episode of this 3-part series, we will specifically talk about chronic mesenteric ischaemia. Topics include the definition and diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischaemia, the role of duplex ultrasound and CT angiography, indications for treatment in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, and decision-making around endovascular versus open revascularisation. New evidence on stent choice and surgical strategies is also discussed. This episode provides practical guidance and expert insight into the updated recommendations for managing chronic mesenteric ischaemia in daily clinical practice.Guests:Dr. Mark Koelemay Professor Dr. Bob Geelkerken Dr. Nicola Leone Dr. Jussi Kärkkäinen (part 2) Shownotes:https://www.ejves.com/article/S1078-5884(25)00516-7/fulltexthttps://open.spotify.com/episode/45Hk77hIyikYNcWklAyVMAhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/58yEYHdIdh7IgVQY13gcmk

Beyond Numbers, Towards Belonging: A Conversation with J. Gilroy 22.01.2026 55m

In this episode of the ESVS Podcast, host Vaiva Dabravolskaite speaks with Judith Gilroy (Ireland), a medical educator and clinician working on training culture, psychological safety, and fairness in career progression. They reflect on everyday discrimination, belonging, allyship, and the hidden curriculum in surgery. Inspired by research on sexual misconduct and microaggressions, this conversation invites honest self-reflection on how culture shapes careers and how we can do better for each other.Literature sources to be shared if possible (divided into two groups) : 1. Key Report & Ongoing Work• Breaking the Silence: Addressing Sexual Misconduct Prof Carrie Newlands, Ms Tamzin Cuming, Ms Philippa Jackson University of Surrey / RCSI presentation (2024) https://openresearch.surrey.ac.uk/esploro/fulltext/report/BREAKING-THE-SILENCE-Addressing-Sexual-Misconduct/99944566102346• Workplace Sexual Misconduct in Surgery (WPSMS) – updates & research https://www.wpsms.org.uk/2. Reflection & Allyship Videos• “That Little Voice” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll56imVATLk• What is Intersectionality? – Peter Hopkins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1islM0ytkE• How are Microaggressions Like Mosquitoes? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emz49wSnNcs• Heartbreaking Moment When Kids Learn About White Privilege https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I3wJ7pJUjg

A Deep Dive into Aortic Dissections - with N. Tsilimparis 15.01.2026 39m

Want to know why Prof. Tsilimparis says “the dissection membrane is not always your enemy”? Tune in to this ESVS Podcast for an in-depth discussion on indications, decision-making, technical tips and tricks, and what the future may hold for the evolving field of aortic dissection management.Recorded live at LMU University Hospital in Munich, this episode of the ESVS Podcast features host Laurence Bertrand in conversation with Prof. Tsilimparis, Head of Vascular Surgery and an internationally recognised expert in aortic dissection management.

Get Moving: How Exercise Impacts Deep Vein Thrombosis- with M. J. van Rijn 08.01.2026 15m

Can exercise really make a difference after deep vein thrombosis? We talk with Professor Marie José van Rijn from Erasmus University Medical Center about how physical activity can influence recovery, reduce complications like post-thrombotic syndrome, and improve quality of life. From early mobilisation to long-term exercise strategies, discover how “get moving” may change the way we manage DVT.Join us for this insightful conversation!References:1. Martins, A; Junior L; Oliveira, J. (2023). Benefits of early mobilization in patients with deep venous thrombosis: a scope review. Heart, Vessels and Transplantation.2. Rook B, van Rijn MJE, Jansma EP, van Montfrans C. Effect of exercise after a deep venous thrombosis: A systematic review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 3. Kahn SR. The post-thrombotic syndrome. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 4. Liu Z, Tao X, Chen Y, Fan Z, Li Y. Bed rest versus early ambulation with standard anticoagulation in the management of deep vein thrombosis: a meta-analysis. PLoS One. 5. Anderson CM, Overend TJ, Godwin J, Sealy C, Sunderji A. Ambulation after deep vein thrombosis: a systematic review. Physiother Can. 6. Kahn SR, Comerota AJ, Cushman M, Evans NS, Ginsberg JS, Goldenberg NA, Gupta DK, Prandoni P, Vedantham S, Walsh ME, Weitz JI; American Heart Association Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease, Council on Clinical Cardiology, and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing. The postthrombotic syndrome: evidence-based prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.Circulation. 2014 Oct 28;130(18):1636-61. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000130. Epub 2014 Sep 22. Erratum in: Circulation. 7. Kakkos SK, Gohel M, Baekgaard N, Bauersachs R, Bellmunt-Montoya S, Black SA, Ten Cate-Hoek AJ, Elalamy I, Enzmann FK, Geroulakos G, Gottsäter A, Hunt BJ, Mansilha A, Nicolaides AN, Sandset PM, Stansby G, Esvs Guidelines Committee, de Borst GJ, Bastos Gonçalves F, Chakfé N, Hinchliffe R, Kolh P, Koncar I, Lindholt JS, Tulamo R, Twine CP, Vermassen F, Wanhainen A, Document Reviewers, De Maeseneer MG, Comerota AJ, Gloviczki P, KruipMJHA, Monreal M, Prandoni P, Vega de Ceniga M. Editor's Choice – European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2021 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Venous Thrombosis. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 8. Jasionowska S, Turner BRH, Machin M, Onida S, Gwozdz AM, Shalhoub J, Davies AH. Systematic review of exercise therapy in the management of post-thrombotic syndrome. Phlebology. 9. Steiner D, Nopp S, Pabinger I, Dassler E, Koppensteiner R, Müller M, Weber B, Ay C, Schlager O. Impact of thrombosis location on walking capacity: a cohort study of patients with acute deep vein thrombosis. Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 10. Wu C, Li X, Zhao H, Ling Y, Ying Y, He Y, Zhang S, Liang S, Wei J, Gan X. Resistance exercise promotes the resolution and recanalization of deep venous thrombosis in a mouse model via SIRT1 upregulation. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 11. Mota GR, Simim MAM, Dos Santos IA, Sasaki JE, Marocolo M. Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings on Exercise Performance and Associated Indicators: A Systematic Review. Open Access J Sports Med.

PTFE And The Ghost Of Christmas Past 24.12.2025 12m

In our special holiday podcast we take a look at the current controversy surrounding PFAS or Forever chemicals. Were you aware that one of the most commonly used compounds in vascular surgery, PTFE, actually falls into this category of substances? Is there anything to worry about? What should we be telling patients? All of these burning questions will be answered. With Justin Woolgar.

Trainee Perspective in Vascular Surgery Across Europe with M. Golian, C. Chwila, D. van den Hondel, and D. Wippel 18.12.2025 20m

In this episode, we focus on the trainee perspective in vascular surgery across Europe.Trainees and young vascular surgeons share what works in training, what doesn’t, and what they would change if they could, touching on structure, mentorship, autonomy, soft skills, and everyday challenges.We’re also joined by Dr David Wippel, who presents insights from his research on the training experience of young vascular surgeons, including burnout, fulfilment, and professional development.Get involvedIf you’re a trainee or young vascular surgeon and would like to take part in the survey discussed in this episode, you can join here: Link to the Trainee Survey: https://redcap.link/8ubj206vIf you’re a consultant in vascular surgery with over 5 years of experience and would like to take part in the survey discussed in this episode, you can join here: Link to the Trainer Survey: https://redcap.link/shp8nthlYour input helps shape the future of vascular surgery training.

Realities of Training Young Vascular Surgeons - E. Iborra & I. Končar 11.12.2025 22m

In Part 1 of our ESVS training series, we speak with Professor Elena Iborra and Professor Igor Končar about the realities of training young vascular surgeons across Europe. They discuss expectations, mentorship, and how to shape safe, effective learning environments for the next generation.A concise, insightful look at what defines good vascular training today.