Lowell Kabnick (Lake Worth, USA) talks to Venous News ahead of this year’s Charing Cross Symposium (CX), which is being held online 19–22 April. In 2021, the conference will focus on controversies within the vascular and endovascular space. Kabnick discusses his own presentation, ‘Is there evidence to justify an aggressive strategy for the ablation of incompetent perforators?’ and also what he is looking forward to in the upcoming Superficial and Deep Venous sessions at CX 2021.
Could you summarise the highlights of your planned presentation for CX 2021?
I will be speaking on aggressive strategies for the ablation of incompetent perforators. After reviewing this topic in preparation for CX 2021, I am not sure that I can support such an approach. A number of my colleagues argue that it is important to have an aggressive strategy, while some, like me, really do not totally understand the physiology or pathophysiology of perforators. Some of us believe that perforator valves swing both ways, depending on the pressure in the system. However, we do not know for certain. Stay tuned as we approach this controversial topic, which is of crucial importance to the global vascular community as there is not enough high-level evidence to support either side.
What is the biggest controversial draw of the Venous & Lymphatic programme?
I think the biggest controversial draw would have to be the four debates. They range from open surgery should be obsolete in 2021 for the treatment of superficial truncal reflux to preoperative anatomy is enough to predict outcomes after deep venous stenting. In addition, I look forward to hearing the areas of controversy in deep venous management through findings from a Delphi consensus.
