Medically reviewed by Peter J. Pappas, MD, on July, 22 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of medical science, few fields are as dynamic and promising as venous medicine. According to The American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM), venous medicine is “the discipline that involves the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic venous and lymphatic disorders, including varicose veins, venous edema, chronic venous insufficiency with skin changes, venous leg ulcers, deep venous disease, pelvic venous insufficiency syndromes, congenital venous malformations, venous thromboembolism, lymphedema and other disorders of venous, lymphatic, and mixed origin.”
We had the privilege of speaking with Peter J. Pappas, MD, a board-certified vascular surgeon, program director of the Venous and Lymphatic Fellowship Program at the Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), and Regional Medical Director and lead physician at CVR’s Union, New Jersey, and Morristown, New Jersey, vein clinic locations.
He shared his insights on the future of venous medicine, painting a picture of a world where smart devices, space-age technologies, and even interplanetary colonization play crucial roles in advancing patient care.
From earth-bound breakthroughs to deep-space challenges, let's explore the thrilling developments that promise to revolutionize the field of venous medicine. Watch his riveting interview here:
According to Dr. Pappas, one of the most significant advancements in venous medicine addresses a long-standing challenge: post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). PTS refers to symptoms that occur in the weeks and months after developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Dr. Pappas describes post-thrombotic syndrome symptoms as chronic pain, swelling, Itching, skin discoloration, skin fibrosis, the formation of painful open wounds, nerve tingling or cramping in one or both legs, leg pain that’s worse with standing and better after resting or raising the leg, and increased pressure in the veins in the legs.
Dr. Pappas explains that contrary to popular belief, blood thinners used to treat DVT don't simply dissolve clots. Blood thinners prevent clots from becoming larger and migrating to your lungs, resulting in possible death. Blood clots cause lasting damage to vein walls and valves, leading to the chronic PTS symptoms described above
“Researchers have been working tirelessly for three decades to develop a solution. Their perseverance has paid off with the introduction of the enVVeno valve. This revolutionary device has successfully completed initial clinical trials, demonstrating both safety and efficacy. The pivotal trial phase, involving 22 centers and 75 patients, has shown promising results in alleviating patients' pain, swelling, and other symptoms.” –Dr. Peter Pappas
Dr. Pappas anticipates that by the first quarter of 2025, a new type of enVVeno valve could be available to patients, offering hope to those who previously had no options. The current version requires surgical implantation. The same company is already working on a percutaneous (passing through the skin) valve based on this technology. Although this less invasive option may take three to five years to reach the market, it represents another leap forward in treating post-thrombotic syndrome.
The future of venous medicine isn't just about treating existing conditions—it's also about prevention and continuous monitoring. Dr. Pappas draws parallels to current technologies used in managing diabetes and sleep apnea, where wearable sensors transmit vital data to healthcare providers. He envisions a similar revolution in compression therapy.
Dr. Pappas: “Imagine compression garments equipped with sensing devices that not only track patient compliance but also provide real-time feedback on the effectiveness of the compression. This technology could revolutionize how we manage various venous conditions, ensuring patients receive optimal care outside the clinic.”
But the innovation doesn't stop there. Dr. Pappas refers to a startup company in Israel that's developing proprietary thread technology capable of stimulating muscle function. This groundbreaking approach could potentially enhance the effectiveness of compression garments compression therapy, leading to better outcomes for patients with venous insufficiency and related conditions.
Taking inspiration from tech giants like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, the field of venous medicine is poised to embrace the concept of smart medical devices. Dr. Pappas highlights the potential of sensor-equipped stents that could transform post-procedural care.
Currently, patients with vascular stents require regular follow-up appointments and ultrasound scans to ensure the stents are functioning correctly. However, the future may hold a much more efficient solution. Dr. Pappas anticipates a stent that can communicate patient status directly to the physician, alerting them to any potential issues before they become critical.
This proactive approach could drastically reduce the need for routine check-ups, allowing for more targeted and timely interventions. Dr. Pappas envisions a scenario where he receives a notification from a patient's stent, prompting him to call the patient in for an examination. This level of real-time monitoring could significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems.
As we look to the stars and contemplate colonizing the moon or Mars, a new medical frontier emerges—space medicine. Dr. Pappas believes that humans may establish a permanent presence beyond Earth within his lifetime, bringing with it a host of new medical challenges.
Dr. Pappas: “The effects of low-gravity environments on the human body, particularly the circulatory system, are still not fully understood. Dr. Pappas cites the fascinating case of astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent 14 months on the International Space Station. Upon his return to Earth, studies comparing Scott to his twin brother Mark Kelly (who remained on Earth) revealed multiple genetic changes. Most notably, Scott suffered from severe lymphedema as a result of prolonged exposure to a weightless environment.”
This case underscores the need for a dedicated field of space medicine to address the unique circulatory issues that arise in low-gravity settings. Understanding and treating conditions like lymphedema in outer space environments will become increasingly crucial as we venture further into the galaxy.
As these exciting developments unfold, it's important to consider how they will be integrated into everyday patient care. Venous healthcare leader—Center for Vein Restoration (CVR)—will play a crucial role in bringing these innovations to patients. Because CVR stays at the forefront of venous medicine, it ensures that cutting-edge treatments and technologies are accessible to those who need them most.
Dr. Pappas’ excitement about the future of venous care is palpable, and as we stand on the brink of this new era in venous medicine, one can't help but share his excitement and optimism. The challenges that once seemed impossible are now within our grasp to solve. And who knows? The solutions we develop for managing lymphedema in space might lead to breakthroughs in treating earthbound patients.
As we stand on the cusp of groundbreaking innovations, the horizon of vascular health is expanding beyond our wildest dreams—quite literally brought to humanity via space exploration.
While the future of venous medicine is full of limitless potential, the most advanced vein care is already available today at Center for Vein Restoration. As science continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, both on Earth and beyond, CVR’s commitment to providing top-tier vascular health services remains steadfast. Our cutting-edge treatment options and a team of expert physicians like Dr. Pappas ensure patients receive the best vein care possible, paving the way for a healthier tomorrow.
Why wait for the future to get your legs looking and feeling out-of-this-world? Schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today. Questions? Call 240-965-3915 to speak to one of our helpful Patient Services Representatives.
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