Society News

This year’s SVS Foundation’s Resident Research Award is being presented to Kaspar M. Trocha, MD, for his research on vein graft disease. As a member of the laboratories of C. Keith Ozaki, MD, and James Mitchell, MD, along with co-first author Peter Kip, MD, and microsurgeon Ming Tao, MD, the group studies the effects of food intake immediately before surgery on vascular adaptations.

Dietary restriction (reducing food intake without malnutrition) has been a topic of special interest in the science community for decades, and restricting calories in the long term has been shown to extend life and health span in a variety of species. It can also protect from overexuberant responses to trauma and ischemia-reperfusion.

Dr. Mitchell found that the benefits from long-term food restriction could be acquired as rapidly as in a few days, pointing to a potential for implementing dietary restriction recommendations prior to elective surgery.

The response to stress benefits seen following brief dietary interventions are mediated by the gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). H₂S is strongly upregulated by dietary restriction and this “rotten egg” gas seems to be protective for the cardiovascular system and has been demonstrated to be involved in vasodilation, inflammation, and atherogenesis, according to the researchers. The group’s experiments thus tested short-term protein restriction (a more feasible dietary approach for patients that observed to induce H₂S) in a microsurgical mouse vein graft model.

The team discovered that cutting all protein from the animal diet for just 1 week before surgery led to increased levels of the enzyme cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CGL) that makes H₂S, higher levels of the protective gaseous molecule, less early vein graft inflammation, and less eventual occlusive vein graft disease even though the animals were returned to their usual high-fat diet postop. The group also confirmed these results by constructing a new mouse strain that overexpresses CGL, and these mice were protected from vein graft disease. Conversely, blocking this enzyme negated all the beneficial effects of the dietary restriction.

According to Dr. Trocha and his colleagues, “short-term pre-operative protein restriction and manipulation of H₂S stand as novel, economical approaches to enhance vein graft durability and perhaps even lessen peri-operative complications, and we are in the early stages of testing this strategy in vascular surgery patients.”

Dr. Trocha’s research was supported by the Harvard-Longwood Research Training in Vascular Surgery NIH T32 Grant and Dr. Ozaki’s NIH and American Heart Association grants. The Resident Research Award is given to one individual each year as determined by the SVS Research and Education Committee with the intent of motivating physicians early in their training to pursue their interest in research that explores the biology of vascular disease and potential translational therapies. The recognition includes plenary presentation at the Vascular Annual Meeting, a $5,000 award and a 1-year complimentary subscription to the Journal of Vascular Surgery. 

This year’s SVS Foundation’s Resident Research Award is being presented to Kaspar M. Trocha, MD, for his research on vein graft disease. As a member of the laboratories of C. Keith Ozaki, MD, and James Mitchell, MD, along with co-first author Peter Kip, MD, and microsurgeon Ming Tao, MD, the group studies the effects of food intake immediately before surgery on vascular adaptations.

Dietary restriction (reducing food intake without malnutrition) has been a topic of special interest in the science community for decades, and restricting calories in the long term has been shown to extend life and health span in a variety of species. It can also protect from overexuberant responses to trauma and ischemia-reperfusion.

Dr. Mitchell found that the benefits from long-term food restriction could be acquired as rapidly as in a few days, pointing to a potential for implementing dietary restriction recommendations prior to elective surgery.

The response to stress benefits seen following brief dietary interventions are mediated by the gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). H₂S is strongly upregulated by dietary restriction and this “rotten egg” gas seems to be protective for the cardiovascular system and has been demonstrated to be involved in vasodilation, inflammation, and atherogenesis, according to the researchers. The group’s experiments thus tested short-term protein restriction (a more feasible dietary approach for patients that observed to induce H₂S) in a microsurgical mouse vein graft model.

The team discovered that cutting all protein from the animal diet for just 1 week before surgery led to increased levels of the enzyme cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CGL) that makes H₂S, higher levels of the protective gaseous molecule, less early vein graft inflammation, and less eventual occlusive vein graft disease even though the animals were returned to their usual high-fat diet postop. The group also confirmed these results by constructing a new mouse strain that overexpresses CGL, and these mice were protected from vein graft disease. Conversely, blocking this enzyme negated all the beneficial effects of the dietary restriction.

According to Dr. Trocha and his colleagues, “short-term pre-operative protein restriction and manipulation of H₂S stand as novel, economical approaches to enhance vein graft durability and perhaps even lessen peri-operative complications, and we are in the early stages of testing this strategy in vascular surgery patients.”

Dr. Trocha’s research was supported by the Harvard-Longwood Research Training in Vascular Surgery NIH T32 Grant and Dr. Ozaki’s NIH and American Heart Association grants. The Resident Research Award is given to one individual each year as determined by the SVS Research and Education Committee with the intent of motivating physicians early in their training to pursue their interest in research that explores the biology of vascular disease and potential translational therapies. The recognition includes plenary presentation at the Vascular Annual Meeting, a $5,000 award and a 1-year complimentary subscription to the Journal of Vascular Surgery. 

This year’s SVS Foundation’s Resident Research Award is being presented to Kaspar M. Trocha, MD, for his research on vein graft disease. As a member of the laboratories of C. Keith Ozaki, MD, and James Mitchell, MD, along with co-first author Peter Kip, MD, and microsurgeon Ming Tao, MD, the group studies the effects of food intake immediately before surgery on vascular adaptations.

Dietary restriction (reducing food intake without malnutrition) has been a topic of special interest in the science community for decades, and restricting calories in the long term has been shown to extend life and health span in a variety of species. It can also protect from overexuberant responses to trauma and ischemia-reperfusion.

Dr. Mitchell found that the benefits from long-term food restriction could be acquired as rapidly as in a few days, pointing to a potential for implementing dietary restriction recommendations prior to elective surgery.

The response to stress benefits seen following brief dietary interventions are mediated by the gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). H₂S is strongly upregulated by dietary restriction and this “rotten egg” gas seems to be protective for the cardiovascular system and has been demonstrated to be involved in vasodilation, inflammation, and atherogenesis, according to the researchers. The group’s experiments thus tested short-term protein restriction (a more feasible dietary approach for patients that observed to induce H₂S) in a microsurgical mouse vein graft model.

The team discovered that cutting all protein from the animal diet for just 1 week before surgery led to increased levels of the enzyme cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CGL) that makes H₂S, higher levels of the protective gaseous molecule, less early vein graft inflammation, and less eventual occlusive vein graft disease even though the animals were returned to their usual high-fat diet postop. The group also confirmed these results by constructing a new mouse strain that overexpresses CGL, and these mice were protected from vein graft disease. Conversely, blocking this enzyme negated all the beneficial effects of the dietary restriction.

According to Dr. Trocha and his colleagues, “short-term pre-operative protein restriction and manipulation of H₂S stand as novel, economical approaches to enhance vein graft durability and perhaps even lessen peri-operative complications, and we are in the early stages of testing this strategy in vascular surgery patients.”

Dr. Trocha’s research was supported by the Harvard-Longwood Research Training in Vascular Surgery NIH T32 Grant and Dr. Ozaki’s NIH and American Heart Association grants. The Resident Research Award is given to one individual each year as determined by the SVS Research and Education Committee with the intent of motivating physicians early in their training to pursue their interest in research that explores the biology of vascular disease and potential translational therapies. The recognition includes plenary presentation at the Vascular Annual Meeting, a $5,000 award and a 1-year complimentary subscription to the Journal of Vascular Surgery. 

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) announces a new partnership with Medscape focused on supporting physicians in addressing the challenges of diagnosing and treating moderate to severe asthma. The Moderate to Severe Asthma Center of Excellence will provide news, expert commentary, and insights on challenging cases to physicians specializing in chest medicine, allergy, primary care, pediatrics, and emergency medicine.

Medscape is a leading source of clinical news, health information, and point-of-care tools for physicians and health-care professionals. This new Center of Excellence available on Medscape.com will explore the diagnostic, therapeutic, and prevention strategies associated with moderate to severe asthma, including the latest research and breakthroughs. Topics will include challenges in classifying and diagnosing disease; risks, benefits, and barriers to treatment; and impact on patients’ quality of life.

Don’t miss Dr. Aaron Holley’s video on “Diagnosing Severe Asthma: ‘Not as Easy as It Sounds’ ”

Visit the Moderate to Severe Asthma Center of Excellence at https://www.medscape.com/resource/moderate-severe-asthma

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) announces a new partnership with Medscape focused on supporting physicians in addressing the challenges of diagnosing and treating moderate to severe asthma. The Moderate to Severe Asthma Center of Excellence will provide news, expert commentary, and insights on challenging cases to physicians specializing in chest medicine, allergy, primary care, pediatrics, and emergency medicine.

Medscape is a leading source of clinical news, health information, and point-of-care tools for physicians and health-care professionals. This new Center of Excellence available on Medscape.com will explore the diagnostic, therapeutic, and prevention strategies associated with moderate to severe asthma, including the latest research and breakthroughs. Topics will include challenges in classifying and diagnosing disease; risks, benefits, and barriers to treatment; and impact on patients’ quality of life.

Don’t miss Dr. Aaron Holley’s video on “Diagnosing Severe Asthma: ‘Not as Easy as It Sounds’ ”

Visit the Moderate to Severe Asthma Center of Excellence at https://www.medscape.com/resource/moderate-severe-asthma

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) announces a new partnership with Medscape focused on supporting physicians in addressing the challenges of diagnosing and treating moderate to severe asthma. The Moderate to Severe Asthma Center of Excellence will provide news, expert commentary, and insights on challenging cases to physicians specializing in chest medicine, allergy, primary care, pediatrics, and emergency medicine.

Medscape is a leading source of clinical news, health information, and point-of-care tools for physicians and health-care professionals. This new Center of Excellence available on Medscape.com will explore the diagnostic, therapeutic, and prevention strategies associated with moderate to severe asthma, including the latest research and breakthroughs. Topics will include challenges in classifying and diagnosing disease; risks, benefits, and barriers to treatment; and impact on patients’ quality of life.

Don’t miss Dr. Aaron Holley’s video on “Diagnosing Severe Asthma: ‘Not as Easy as It Sounds’ ”

Visit the Moderate to Severe Asthma Center of Excellence at https://www.medscape.com/resource/moderate-severe-asthma

We're now on Instagram, a social media app designed for sharing photos and videos from a smartphone. Be sure to follow us!

We're now on Instagram, a social media app designed for sharing photos and videos from a smartphone. Be sure to follow us!

We're now on Instagram, a social media app designed for sharing photos and videos from a smartphone. Be sure to follow us!

The mobile app for the 2018 Vascular Annual Meeting will be available Wednesday for both Apple and Android products. The app has been rebuilt from the ground up, for a very user-friendly experience. It’s interactive, comprehensive and searchable and includes many helpful features:

• My Schedule: Mark sessions as favorites on either the Planner or app, then see all of them in the My Schedule section.
• Educational Credits: Take self-assessment exams, via the app, and/or claim Continuing Medical Education credits.
• Scavenger Hunt: Participate in the big game in the Exhibit Hall; using your app, scan QR codes found in the booths of sponsors, then answer the question that pops up. The three people who earn the most points for correct answers win great prizes.
• Social Media – Let all your friends know what you’re up to by linking to social media

Download at Apple’s App Store and at Google Play.

The mobile app for the 2018 Vascular Annual Meeting will be available Wednesday for both Apple and Android products. The app has been rebuilt from the ground up, for a very user-friendly experience. It’s interactive, comprehensive and searchable and includes many helpful features:

• My Schedule: Mark sessions as favorites on either the Planner or app, then see all of them in the My Schedule section.
• Educational Credits: Take self-assessment exams, via the app, and/or claim Continuing Medical Education credits.
• Scavenger Hunt: Participate in the big game in the Exhibit Hall; using your app, scan QR codes found in the booths of sponsors, then answer the question that pops up. The three people who earn the most points for correct answers win great prizes.
• Social Media – Let all your friends know what you’re up to by linking to social media

Download at Apple’s App Store and at Google Play.

The mobile app for the 2018 Vascular Annual Meeting will be available Wednesday for both Apple and Android products. The app has been rebuilt from the ground up, for a very user-friendly experience. It’s interactive, comprehensive and searchable and includes many helpful features:

• My Schedule: Mark sessions as favorites on either the Planner or app, then see all of them in the My Schedule section.
• Educational Credits: Take self-assessment exams, via the app, and/or claim Continuing Medical Education credits.
• Scavenger Hunt: Participate in the big game in the Exhibit Hall; using your app, scan QR codes found in the booths of sponsors, then answer the question that pops up. The three people who earn the most points for correct answers win great prizes.
• Social Media – Let all your friends know what you’re up to by linking to social media

Download at Apple’s App Store and at Google Play.

Don’t miss the vascular surgery world’s headline event! Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register. To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.

Don’t miss the vascular surgery world’s headline event! Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register. To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.

Don’t miss the vascular surgery world’s headline event! Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register. To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.

NAMDRC’s Mission Statement declares, “NAMDRC’s primary mission is to improve access to quality care for patients with respiratory disease by removing regulatory and legislative barriers to appropriate treatment.” This mission is clear as we review our legislative and regulatory agenda on an ongoing and continuing basis.

Home Mechanical Ventilation: Close to 20 years ago, HCFA (now CMS) was faced with an important reality: advances in technology related to home mechanical ventilation are triggering an exponential growth in availability of these life supporting devices, but a price would be paid. At that time, Medicare law was quite explicit, indicating that certain ventilators would be paid under a “frequent and substantial servicing” payment methodology, authorizing payment on an ongoing basis as long as the prescribing physician documented medical necessity. To circumvent that statutory reality, the agency created a new category of medical device – a respiratory assist device/RAD – and declared that these devices are no longer ventilators and are now subject to capped rental rules and regulations.

NAMDRC was determined to work within the system, but roadblocks were consistently encountered, ie, contractor policies that did not reflect current medical standards of care, peer reviewed literature, etc. Even defining a “respiratory assist device” was (and still is) a challenge, as the term does not appear in the medical literature or in FDA vernacular.

NAMDRC’s Mission Statement declares, “NAMDRC’s primary mission is to improve access to quality care for patients with respiratory disease by removing regulatory and legislative barriers to appropriate treatment.” This mission is clear as we review our legislative and regulatory agenda on an ongoing and continuing basis.

Home Mechanical Ventilation: Close to 20 years ago, HCFA (now CMS) was faced with an important reality: advances in technology related to home mechanical ventilation are triggering an exponential growth in availability of these life supporting devices, but a price would be paid. At that time, Medicare law was quite explicit, indicating that certain ventilators would be paid under a “frequent and substantial servicing” payment methodology, authorizing payment on an ongoing basis as long as the prescribing physician documented medical necessity. To circumvent that statutory reality, the agency created a new category of medical device – a respiratory assist device/RAD – and declared that these devices are no longer ventilators and are now subject to capped rental rules and regulations.

NAMDRC was determined to work within the system, but roadblocks were consistently encountered, ie, contractor policies that did not reflect current medical standards of care, peer reviewed literature, etc. Even defining a “respiratory assist device” was (and still is) a challenge, as the term does not appear in the medical literature or in FDA vernacular.

NAMDRC’s Mission Statement declares, “NAMDRC’s primary mission is to improve access to quality care for patients with respiratory disease by removing regulatory and legislative barriers to appropriate treatment.” This mission is clear as we review our legislative and regulatory agenda on an ongoing and continuing basis.

Home Mechanical Ventilation: Close to 20 years ago, HCFA (now CMS) was faced with an important reality: advances in technology related to home mechanical ventilation are triggering an exponential growth in availability of these life supporting devices, but a price would be paid. At that time, Medicare law was quite explicit, indicating that certain ventilators would be paid under a “frequent and substantial servicing” payment methodology, authorizing payment on an ongoing basis as long as the prescribing physician documented medical necessity. To circumvent that statutory reality, the agency created a new category of medical device – a respiratory assist device/RAD – and declared that these devices are no longer ventilators and are now subject to capped rental rules and regulations.

NAMDRC was determined to work within the system, but roadblocks were consistently encountered, ie, contractor policies that did not reflect current medical standards of care, peer reviewed literature, etc. Even defining a “respiratory assist device” was (and still is) a challenge, as the term does not appear in the medical literature or in FDA vernacular.

Looking for a research opportunity? Check our updated website for current programs in your area. If your institution has an opportunity to promote, let us know at [email protected].

Looking for a research opportunity? Check our updated website for current programs in your area. If your institution has an opportunity to promote, let us know at [email protected].

Looking for a research opportunity? Check our updated website for current programs in your area. If your institution has an opportunity to promote, let us know at [email protected].

The SVS is recruiting volunteers to serve on a new Task Force on the Future of Vascular Surgery, which will examine a number of critical trends shaping the specialty. President-elect Michael Makaroun, MD, will chair the new group. Learn more, including how to volunteer, here.

The SVS is recruiting volunteers to serve on a new Task Force on the Future of Vascular Surgery, which will examine a number of critical trends shaping the specialty. President-elect Michael Makaroun, MD, will chair the new group. Learn more, including how to volunteer, here.

The SVS is recruiting volunteers to serve on a new Task Force on the Future of Vascular Surgery, which will examine a number of critical trends shaping the specialty. President-elect Michael Makaroun, MD, will chair the new group. Learn more, including how to volunteer, here.