Suresh Vedantham MD, Presenter: Research support, Bacchus Vascular, Inc Research support, Bayer AG Research support, Genentech, Inc Research support, BSN medical GmbH

Alan Hiyoshi Matsumoto MD, Presenter: Speakers Bureau, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc Speakers Bureau, Cook Group Incorporated Speakers Bureau, Medtronic, Inc Speakers Bureau, C. R. Bard, Inc Advisory Board, Boston Scientific Corporation Advisory Board, Crux Biomedical, Inc Research grant, Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc Research grant, Medtronic, Inc Research grant, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc Research grant, Cook Group Incorporated Research grant, Siemens AG Data and Safety Monitoring Board, CH-Werfen Consultant, Siemens AG Consultant, C. R. Bard, Inc Consultant, AGA Medical Corp

William Tom Kuo MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

1) Provide a background of the challenges that remain for the diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolic disease. 2) Discuss with the panel what direction the care of patients with venous thromboembolic disease is headed. 3) Consider the factors that will influence what will need to be done to better stratify risk and benefit ratios for treatment strategies for venous thromboembolic disease. 4) Provide attendees to ask questions of and engage in discussion with panel members.

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) remains a significant healthcare issue for patients and treating physicians.  The Surgeon General initiated a "call to action" in 2006, stating that "DVT and PE are critical health problems. In 2007, Medicare proposed aSurgical Care Improvement Program to decrease mortality and morbidity related to VTE.  Much work is needed to foster epidemiological research on factors that influence genetic variations and hemostatic biomarkers that impact VTE.  Risk stratification, thromboprophylaxis, a better definition of role of specific anticoagulation agents and improvement in imaging (including molecular) will all impact on the future care of patients with VTE.

Vedantham, S, Matsumoto, A, Kuo, W, Future Directions and Discussion.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8001312.html