For over 30 years, Vascular International School for Vascular Surgery (VI) has been at the forefront of vascular education for physicians and operating room teams. We deliver high-quality, optimized training through realistic simulations of vascular techniques. Driven by a passion for education, continual innovation, and a forward-looking vision, we are dedicated to advancing the standards of vascular surgery.
Patient safety is our paramount priority. Accordingly, we continuously refine our training methodologies to support safe and efficient open and endovascular surgical interventions. In today’s rapidly evolving medical landscape, the rapid acquisition of advanced qualifications in vascular medicine is essential. Technological advancements now enable vascular surgeons to perform increasingly complex procedures with enhanced speed, safety, and efficiency - a necessity underscored by ongoing demographic shifts and an aging population. At Vascular International, our commitment extends beyond training to fostering a culture of continuous clinical excellence.
VI enjoys an excellent reputation, thanks to our experienced tutors, innovative technology partners, and dedicated industrial collaborators who support us in various ways. Our tutors are well-connected with vascular experts from around the world, and this international network fosters the exchange of new ideas and practical experiences, keeping us at the forefront of technological advancements. Our lifelike, pulsatile models for leg, carotid, and aortic procedures – with the addition of a new arm model in 2013 – are continuously refined and expanded to provide realistic practical training. VI now offers the full spectrum of open and endovascular surgery, while our course programmes, teaching methods, and the individual learning success of our participants are consistently evaluated through scientific studies.
Practical training that emphasizes a stepwise approach to open and endovascular procedures is our top priority. Participants receive time for practice and personalized instruction from our experienced tutors. Our courses, offered as basic sessions or master classes, allow practice of both fundamental and complex techniques such as carotid, aortic, and shunt surgery on quality models. This structured format effectively develops fine motor skills and is well suited to our target groups.
Our offerings cater to junior doctors from surgical disciplines - general, abdominal, trauma, cardiac, paediatric, orthopaedic, plastic, urological, and gynaecological surgery - as well as to vascular surgeons preparing for specialist exams (UEMS) or seeking refresher courses. Our themed courses on topics like carotid stenosis treatment welcome colleagues from related fields such as radiology, angiology, and cardiology. Some courses are tailored for nursing and instrument staff, who benefit from our team approach.
Our curriculum is enhanced by access courses covering lower leg arteries and other key vascular areas, including the aorta, upper and lower arm vessels for shunt surgery, and brain-supplying arteries. By fostering a passion for vascular surgery and innovation, Vascular International School for Vascular Surgery remains committed to promoting a collaborative approach to patient care.
Since 1991, Vascular International School for Vascular Surgery has conducted over 100 national and international courses worldwide, educating more than 3'000 participants from around the globe. In addition to our traditional courses in Pontresina, Stuttgart, Zurich, and Lucerne, our hands-on training sessions have been featured at the annual meetings of the Austrian Society for Vascular Surgery (ÖGG), the German Society for Vascular Surgery (DGG), the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS), the European Vascular Course (EVC) in Maastricht, and the US Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS). Many institutions have integrated our courses into their training programmes.
Recent studies in prestigious professional journals, including the Journal of Vascular Surgery, attest to the exceptional success of our training. Our courses earn the highest possible credits from UEMS, Europe’s leading authority for certifying training courses, and serve as excellent preparation for the European vascular surgery specialist exam. They qualify participants as endovascular surgeons and specialists in accordance with the guidelines of the German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine (DGG) and certify both open surgical and endovascular competencies per the standards of the Swiss Institute for Medical Training (SIWF) and the Swiss Society for Surgery (SGC). Courses such as “Vascular Surgery Suture and Anastomotic Techniques” and “Basic Endovascular Techniques” form essential parts of our two-day accredited programmes.
The high quality of our courses - anchored by experienced tutors and excellent infrastructure - is made possible through the commitment and support of our industry partners. Together, we continue to develop innovative visions and ideas, driven by our passion for education and our responsibility to our patients.