Organization of angiology in countries with associate societies of International Union of Angiology.

Abstract

Angiology is a multidisciplinary medical discipline, consequently in some countries multidisciplinary vascular centres were organized, which provide comprehensive management of patients with different vascular diseases. However, the organization of the care for vascular patients differs between the countries. Therefore, we aimed to check the organization of angiology (vascular surgery and vascular medicine) in countries-associate members of IUA and to stimulate the development of multidisciplinary vascular centres. The questionnaire was sent to 60 countries- associate members of IUA, and 35 societies from 30 countries responded. The responses showed that in most countries vascular patients are treated by vascular surgeons. Vascular surgeons and radiologists are also main providers of peripheral arterial diagnostics and invasive treatment. In most countries vascular medicine is marginalized. With the exception of some west European countries multidisciplinary vascular centres are rare and facilities for management of vascular patients insufficient. National societies expect from IUA more educational activities and creating consensus documents. Therefore, IUA should promote the foundation of vascular centres and provide systemic education in angiology.