Kochi: A two-day national conference was held to raise awareness about diseases and treatments related to deep veins. Jointly organized by the Vascular Society of Kerala and the Vascular Society of India, the event was inaugurated by esteemed vascular surgeon Prof. K. S. Neelakandan and the President of the Vascular Society of India, Dr. P. C. Gupta. This conference also marked the first national event focused on Deep Vein Interventions.
The conference placed significant emphasis on the alarming rise in morbidity and mortality linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the body. Discussions included innovative, minimally invasive interventional techniques for treating these clots. Additionally, the therapeutic potential for addressing blocked lower lymph veins in patients suffering from conditions like post-thrombotic syndrome, particularly in those with DVT, was also explored.
Dr. Sunil Rajendran, Vascular Surgeon at Starcare Hospital, Kozhikode, and the organizing chairman, stated, “Diseases affecting the deep veins of the leg are generally underrecognized and can cause significant disability in the younger population, leading to issues such as leg swelling and non-healing ulceration.”
Dr. Vimal Iype from Lourdes Hospital and Dr. Sidharth Viswanathan from Amrita Hospital, Kochi, expressed their concerns, said that, “The increasing incidence of deep venous problems in Kerala is alarming. We attribute this rise to factors such as increasing obesity, unhealthy food habits, and sedentary lifestyles.”
Dr Stephen Black, a Vascular Surgeon from St Thomas Hospital, London, emphasized the importance of angioplasty and stenting of the veins in the legs. Dr Sriram Narayanan, a Vascular Surgeon from Singapore, shared his experience on the use of a special ultrasound device (IVUS), which is very crucial in treating such diseases.
Special sessions covering approximately 15 topics were held during the program at Kochi Ramada Hotel, with over 100 attendees from India, London, the USA, and Singapore. The event was presided over by VASK President, Prof. Dr. R.C Sreekumar, with participation from Dr. Rajesh Anto, a member of the Scientific Committee, V. Vineet, and others.