Doha: Doha will host the third Gulf Vascular Society (GVS) Conference from February 28. The two day conference will address the major issues related to vascular diseases in the region.
"Vascular disease harms blood flow in arteries and veins throughout the body," said Dr Hassan Al Thani, Chairman of the GVS conference. "It causes everything from leg pain to poor kidney function and stroke. Problems of the vascular system are common and can be very serious. The conference being held for the first time in Qatar will focus on diseases common to the region."
The GVS was established in 2005 with the aim of encouraging regional exchanges of experiences between the gulf countries. People in the region share many challenges, with similar risk factors, co-morbidities, health service facilities, as well as a significantly sized mobile population that frequently travels from one country to another. The society is meant to be a forum that allows the free exchange of ideas, experiences and challenges of colleagues in this part of the world.
"The two-day conference will be a beginning for many new initiations combining all the countries in the region. The conference will have 57 presentations by 45 experts from round the world. The emphasis will be given to the most prevalent vascular issues in the region. It will be a good opportunity for the doctors in the region to share expertise and enhance knowledge from specialists. It will also give vent to many joint projects and researches for the whole region," he told The Peninsula.
Some of the most common problems in the region will be covered in more sessions. "For the first time, radiologists also will be involved in the conference. Radiologists manage the balloon dilation in case of vascular constriction. Aneurysm (localised, blood-filled dilation of a blood vessel), atherosclerosis (hardening of blood vessels due to lipid deposit), Varicose Veins are some of the most important issues. Handling of blood vessel rupture during accidents will be also discussed," said Dr Amr Faris, Head of Scientific Committee, GVS conference.
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. "Almost 30 Varicose vein cases are reported each week at HMC out-patient clinics. At least one operation and five to eight injections are done for varicose vein each week. The problem is prevalent in women," Dr Faris told The Peninsula.
HMC will soon launch laser treatment for varicose vein treatment. Though laser treatment is available with the dermatology department for early cases, this will be made available for patients suffering from serious cases. Endo-venous laser therapy will be available.
The conference will issue guidelines for treating vascular diseases. GVS has setup a registry for coronary artery diseases including the six GCC countries. The registry has shown high incidence of death though excellent cardiac care is available.
Analysis of the registry points towards lack of attention paid to artery problems in lower limbs which makes coronary care less effective.The conference will address these issues and set impetus for beginning more collaborative programmes in the region.
By Huda N V
© The Peninsula 2009
