Nephrologists, vascular access surgeons, and other kidney care professionals from around the world recently came together for the 14th Congress of the Vascular Access Society (VAS), the largest scientific meeting on vascular access (VA).
Held from 3 to 5 April in Padova, Italy, this year’s congress focused on “Dialysis access, a multidisciplinary perspective” featuring a series of scientific sessions and poster presentations, showcasing the latest advancements in VA, especially for dialysis patients.
Diaverum was proud to take part, with Dr. Theodoros Akrivos, Country Deputy Medical Director for Greece, presenting a poster titled “Multidisciplinary team effort can drastically and effectively reduce catheter rates.” The study highlighted our VA programme in Greece, which aims to lower CVC use and improve patient outcomes. The results showed that close collaboration between surgeons, nephrologists, and dialysis nurses can significantly enhance VA quality in a short time, without costly interventions. Even patients previously considered “VA exhausted” benefited from re-evaluation by experienced surgeons using Doppler ultrasound. The study also reinforced that age should not exclude patients from arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation programmes.
“Vascular access management is central to our global clinical strategy,” said Dr. Fernando Macário, Diaverum’s CMO. “This study shows how multidisciplinary teamwork, supported by digital tools and standardised care, drives real results.”
Dr. Akrivos added: “Without vascular access, haemodialysis cannot happen. Our commitment is to deliver safe, personalised care — and that starts with high-quality vascular access.”