Gefäßmedizin: auf dem Weg vom traditionellen Gefäßchirurgen zum Gefäßmediziner von morgen

Demographic developments in the next 20 years will be associated with an exponential increase of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, technical development of conservative and invasive treatment modalities have added to an increase of differentiated therapies. Both will require a new orientation of the clinical aspects in general and especially in vascular surgery: the traditional specialties cannot do justice to the complex treatment possibilities in the future. This requires increased specialization and re-orientation of vascular services. This concept implies that specific aspects are referred further by the primary disciplines. It is also associated with the acquisition of training in associated specialties. Since the heart and vascular system are part of one anatomical and functional system, implementation of vascular medicine within cardiovascular centers is a logical consequence.