Advancing Skills,
Improving Outcomes

Carotid artery disease refers to the narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries, which are the primary blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. This condition is often caused by atherosclerosis, a process in which fatty deposits, calcium and thrombus (plaque) build up on the arterial walls, leading to reduced blood flow and increasing the risk of serious complications such as stroke. Training in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the classical procedure and important for the prevention of strokes. Training on a simulator allows to pass the learning curve in a safe environment ‘outside the patient’. The patient will be grateful to you.

Training in imaging and preprocessing for endovascular surgery is essential in this rapidly evolving field. Precise analysis and measurements are key and optimizes procedural planning and therefore proper device selection and strategic procedure planning. Training includes recognizing potential complications that can be identified through imaging, such as dissections, perforations, or thrombosis following endovascular interventions. As technology advances, ongoing education in imaging modalities and preprocessing methods will remain integral to the practice of endovascular surgery.

Complex endovascular aortic repair can be necessary in several specific clinical scenarios, usually involving complicated aortic pathology that cannot be adequately managed with standard endovascular techniques. Some common indications include aortic aneuryms extending into the juxtarenal, pararenal or visceral aorta or into the aortic arch, and aortic dissections. Image analysis and preprocessing is absolutely key.