A central question in the provision of complex surgical interventions is the configuration of elective and emergency surgical centers, namely, should complex surgery be regionalized in units that exceed a certain threshold of elective and emergency cases.

Matthew M. Thompson, M.D., Professor at the University of London and Professor of Vascular Surgery at St. George's Vascular Institute, London, summarized important evidence that suggests a definitive relationship between hospital, and surgeon, case volume and outcome of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Procedures performed at the highest volume hospitals (more than 32 elective AAA repairs and more than 52 CEA per year) reduced the odds of mortality by 36% compared to the lowest volume hospitals. These data have definite implications for patient choice and system reconfiguration, and Dr. Thompson would set a mandatory threshold of 50 per year.

VEITH SYMPOSIUM - New York, November 19th to 23rd

Now in its fourth decade, VEITH SYMPOSIUM provides vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, interventional cardiologists and other vascular specialists with a unique and exciting format to learn the most current information about what is new and important in the treatment of vascular disease. The 5-day event features rapid-fire presentations from world renowned vascular specialists with emphasis on the latest advances, changing concepts in diagnosis and management, pressing controversies and new techniques.

VEITHsymposium is sponsored by Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.

veithsymposium

Source
Pauline T. Mayer
ptmhcm