ISET 2012 to discuss latest advances in chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency

Innovators in the field of endovascular therapy will explore the often-contentious topic of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), which is theorized to be a contributing factor in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), at the 24th annual International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (ISET).

Recognized as one of the industry's foremost meetings in the multidisciplinary field of cardiac and peripheral interventional medicine, ISET is attended by physicians, researchers, scientists and other professionals. ISET 2012 will take place at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach from January 15-19, with continuing medical education (CME) accreditation provided by Complete Conference Management (CCM).

Internationally acclaimed experts will discuss and debate the latest advances in CCSVI in a dedicated session on the morning of January 19. Vascular surgeon Paolo Zamboni, M.D., of the University of Ferrara, who first developed the theory behind CCSVI, will review new diagnostic methodologies for the disease. Zamboni pioneered the diagnosis and treatment of CCSVI -- work that has been heralded by many, yet remains a controversial subject. Michael Dake, M.D., of the Stanford University Medical Center, who was the first surgeon to operate on CCSVI-related stenosis in the United States, will kick off the session by addressing the many unanswered questions in CCSVI today, and will close with an update on ongoing research initiatives.

Other participants in the CCSVI session include neurologist Jack Burks, M.D., of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA); Lindsay Machan, M.D., of the University of British Columbia; and Gary Siskin, M.D., of the Albany Medical Center. These noted experts will host talks on CCSVI collaboration, imaging evaluation of CCSVI patients, techniques and pitfalls of CCSVI intervention, and the current status of CCSVI in Canada, as well as showcase outcomes of a single center experience.

CCSVI is just one of the many topics featured during ISET 2012, which will provide a comprehensive overview of new developments in the area of endovascular therapy. The five-day meeting comprises intensive one-day symposia, a variety of general and concurrent sessions, and small-group case reviews. Teams at clinical sites in New York, Miami and Leipzig, Germany, will conduct live case demonstrations during which operators perform the latest procedures while offering step-by-step explanations for the audience. The live cases complement the lectures by virtually transporting attendees into the procedure room.