Innovation is an ongoing process in medical sciences. Newer and newer medical techniques are developed every day. Due to technological developments during later part of nineteenth century, it became possible to diagnose & treat various diseases by delivery of therapeutic materials from inside the vessel. Initially it was limited to coronary vessels but then it extended to non-cardiac vessels as well.
Ultimately it was grouped as a new specialty which encompasses interventional radiology, vascular surgery, interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery etc. Most of these innovations started in USA, Europe & Japan. Best centers for training in endovascular surgery techniques are located in tertiary care state university hospitals of USA.
I heard about this new specialty from CTSNET in 2006 and contacted Arizona Heart Institute, Phoenix, USA. I was working as Senior Registrar Cardiac Surgery at Jinnah Hospital Lahore at that time. Medical Director Dr Edward B Diethrich was kind to allow me for one year training in 2009. I wrapped up in August 2009 and reached there where I was trained under director supervision of Medical Director and his 6 member team of Cardiac as well as Vascular Surgeons.
My focus for first 3 months was peripheral vascular interventions. Then I proceeded to Abdominal & Thoracic Aorta interventions. Later part of training comprised of Carotid artery interventions. After one year of training I requested for one month extension with special focus on Mesenteric Vessels. I took part in academic, clinic as well research components of this training. We have extensive discussion with American fellows regarding clinical as well as worldly affairs.
I am the first Fellow of College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan to take part in this international training. I utilized this opportunity to discuss CPSP training with fellows at Arizona Heart Institute, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona. Various other short terms visitors from Spain, UK, Greece, Korea, Mexico, Brazil and neighboring states got in contact with me during this travel. I recommend that other fellows should also seek opportunities in USA to improve their medical training and bring home this life time experience.
Key words: Endovascular surgery, Intervention.
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