Shortage of vascular surgeons is a serious concern in India and one of the probable reasons attributed for a late presentation of venous disorders among patients is the paucity of vascular surgeons in the country. There is low awareness and poor understanding on the criticality of venous disorders among patients. There are only 150 vascular surgeons in India treating a growing patient population of venous disorders. Vascular surgeons state that they are able to treat only 10 per cent of the actual numbers affected. To combat this series situation, organisers of the 6th International Congress of Asian Vascular Society and 11the Annual Conference of Vascular Society of India have made continuing medical education (CME) programme as a key focus of the event.

The Congress, which is being held for the first time in India at Bangalore between November 3-6 2004, will have 350 vascular and endovascular surgeons apart from interventional radiologists, cardio thoracic surgeons and vascular medicine specialists out of which 150 are from abroad. There will be 250 scientific paper presentations apart from three orations.

The CME programme will have 'hands on workshop' conducted by a specialist from the London who would demonstrate surgery techniques in carotid endartectomy. Supporting the CME is a teleconferencing event which will connect major Indian cities, Lahore and Colombo.

Currently, there are six centres in the country offering the specialty at Chennai, Bangalore (Manipal hospital and Jain Institute of Vascular Sciences (JIVAS) a unit of Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital), New Delhi, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram with around 6-7 vascular surgeons graduating annually from these centres.

'A Handbook on Vascular Surgery,' penned by Indian surgeons providing a national perspective on venous disorders, will be released in the function.

Another highlight of the event is a scientific trade exhibition, which will have 45 companies display the latest range of grafts, stents, devices and equipment for vascular surgery, the officials informed here.

Vascular disorders are on the rise because of the increased incidence of diabetes which causes threat to limb and life, explained the panel of organisers. Vascular surgery is more complex than heart bypass. Unlike cardiac surgery, vascular surgery has high mortality and the success rate is around 90 percent. The surgery cost is between Rs. 40,000 to Rs.80,000 where a major component constitutes the imported tubes.