Servier – Phlebolymphology

The LARISSA INTERNATIONAL VASCULAR ENDOVASCULAR SYMPOSIUM (LIVES) held every year in June in Greece and organized by Professor Athanasios D. Giannoukas has become a “must”. This year the meeting was devoted to vascular aneurysms, and the book published in 2009 by the organizer in collaboration with Frans L. Moll, Piergiorgio Ciao, and Martin Veller deserves both mention and analysis.

The 400-page hardback book in glazed paper contains contributions by 84 authors and is divided into 6 richly illustrated and referenced chapters.

As stated in the preface, vascular aneurysms, including arterial and venous, are multifaceted in their pathophysiology, manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment, and in most cases may remain undiagnosed.

The first chapter deals with the pathogenesis and natural history of vascular aneurysms. After a historical review, many subjects are broached, including the role played by homocysteine in arterial aneurysm and the risk factors for rupture. The second part is devoted to advances and controversies in the management of thoracic aortic aneurysms, and the third part considers abdominal aortic aneurysms, including the lessons learnt from the EVAR trials.

The fourth chapter on issues of concern in endovascular practice is original and contains two articles. The first is an analysis of the importance of the inflammatory response triggered by endovascular procedures, and the second considers the burden of radiation caused by the same procedure.

The fifth chapter is devoted to the management of peripheral arterial aneurysms that are, in fact, not aortic, including traumatic aneurysm and pseudoaneurysms.

The last chapter deals with venous aneurysms—popliteal, saphenous, visceral—and those located in the upper limbs secondary to vascular access. As the book describes the latest significant advances in the study and treatment of vascular aneurysms, we heartily recommend its addition to any vascular library worthy of the name.