Vascular Surgery: the Past and the Future

Abstract

Harvey's circulation 1628, Hunter's arterial system 1757, Carrel's arterial anastomosis and transplants 1907, laid foundation. Medical progress in 20th Century: Sutures/ Prosthetic grafts, Imaging, Haematology, Anesthesia, ICU, Antibiotics. Surgery from open, minimally invasive to endovascular. Sri Lanka: Sheriffdeen in 1972 started Vascular service from the Department of Surgery, Colombo, later Ratnatunga, Department of Surgery, Peradeniya. Cadre positions by the Ministry of Health, PGIM trainees in 1995. Specialty board in Vascular Surgery developed curriculum for training/assessment. Future: Burden of disease, aging population, epidemic of Diabetes, obesity. Increasing costs. National Registry, adequate angio suites, operating time, ICU beds, research.