Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease Symposium II

Abstract

The Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease Interdisciplinary Working Group was commissioned by the American Heart Association (AHA) to provide a forum to address important and emerging issues in this multidisciplinary area of clinical science. The working group was a primary outgrowth of the AHA Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease Conference held in Boston, Mass, in July 2002. It was created in recognition of the fact that atherosclerosis is a systemic disease with important sequelae in many regional circulations in addition to the heart, including the brain, kidneys, mesentery, and limbs. Its mission is to provide a forum for the multiple disciplines engaged in research, evaluation, and management of patients with noncoronary atherosclerosis. The goals of the Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease Interdisciplinary Working Group are to develop a strategy to increase awareness of atherosclerotic vascular disease, identify important gap areas in knowledge that require further clinical investigation, and develop programs that will facilitate prevention and treatment of peripheral atherosclerotic diseases. Developments in research and technology that are relevant to atherosclerotic vascular disease are emerging rapidly. As a result, greater opportunities to translate science to clinical practice are available. The American College of Cardiology/AHA practice guidelines for the management of patients with peripheral arterial disease (lower extremity, renal, mesenteric, and abdominal aortic) provide many evidenced-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating patients with atherosclerotic vascular diseases.1 Nevertheless, in some areas, the evidence has not matured sufficiently for definitive guidelines. Some of these areas have engendered considerable controversy among practitioners. Among these are the efficacy and outcome of screening programs for vascular disease and the appropriate and timely use of endovascular interventions. Accordingly, the Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease Interdisciplinary Working Group convened the second AHA conference on Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease, which took place in Boston, Mass, in July 2006. The conference was also sponsored by the …