Clinical Scorecard: Announcing the 2026 Special Edition on Venous Disease: Our Enthusiasm for the Future of This Specialty

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Broadened scope of research on venous disease in the 2026 issue compared to 2015
• Emerging understanding of inflammation's role in venous pathology
• Calf muscle pump failure linked to major adverse cardiac events
• Innovations in medication and medical devices for venous disease
• Potential for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to improve patient care

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Utilization of air plethysmography to assess calf pump function
• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for rapid diagnosis

Management

• Mechanism-based diagnostics and therapies targeting venous immune regulation
• Consideration of factor XI inhibitors and mechanical thrombectomy

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Monitoring calf pump function as part of comprehensive venous assessment
• Use of POCUS for DVT screening and monitoring

Risks

• Impaired calf pump function associated with increased all-cause mortality
• Limited data on the accuracy of POCUS compared to traditional methods

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with venous thromboembolism and chronic venous disease

Emerging therapies and devices are being developed to improve outcomes

Clinical Best Practices

• Standardization of provider training for POCUS
• Implementation of AI models to enhance ultrasound image acquisition and interpretation
• Conducting research studies to validate the use of POCUS in vascular care

Related Resources & Content

• Vascular Medicine Journal