Difficult Decisions in Vascular Surgery

The complexity of decision making in medicine, and in surgery in particular, is growing exponentially. As new technology is introduced, physicians from nonsurgical specialties offer alternative and competing therapies for what was once the exclusive province of the surgeon.  In addition, there is increasing knowledge regarding the efficacy of traditional surgical therapies.  How to select among these varied and complex approaches is becoming increasingly difficult. The first two editions of “Difficult Decisions in Thoracic Surgery: An Evidence Based Approach” have found wide acceptance among practicing surgeons, trainees, and educators. Chapters from them are regularly cited by the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association as valuable resources for their weekly curriculum exercises. Downloads of individual chapters have been very popular. The 3rd edition is in production.   Based on this success, this book is part of a series of such books covering other surgical specialties. The volumes will be multi-authored, containing brief chapters, each of which will be devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial. The volumes are intended as a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators that describe the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.

Christopher L. Skelly, MD FACS

Associate Professor of Surgery, Chief of Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy; Director of Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program and Director of Vascular Lab.

Christopher Skelly, MD specializes in vascular surgery. He performs a full range of open and endovascular procedures, including the treatment of carotid disease, complex aortic pathologies and peripheral vascular disease. In addition, he performs minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of median arcuate ligament syndrome.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Skelly directs a research laboratory aimed at improving outcomes and durability of vascular graft repairs. As a 2008 recipient of the NHLBI Jointly Sponsored Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award, his research is funded by the American Vascular Association (AVA)/American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Dr. Skelly has authored more than 35 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, and several book chapters and reviews. He is working on numerous clinical trials, including a below-knee arterial bypass trial, for which he serves as site-principal investigator.

Ross Milner, MD

Director at the Center for Aortic Diseases
Ross Milner, MD, is an internationally recognized expert in vascular surgery. He specializes in the treatment of complex aortic diseases.

Dr. Milner has been the primary investigator on numerous endovascular device trials. In one study, he examined the use of remote pressure sensor monitoring for surveillance after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. He also is working on the development of a prosthetic vein valve. His research has been funded by the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Milner teaches medical students, residents and fellows about vascular disease management, including the use of aortic stents. In addition, he is frequently invited to speak at national and international conferences on vascular surgery and aortic aneurysms.