Gregory D. Skalkeas Professor Emeritus, Academician, President of the Foundation of Biomedical Research of the Academy of Athens Vascular surgery has acquired a well-established identity throughout the Eu- pean Union, where vascular diseases are still the leading cause (40%) of death and disability. Proper management of vascular diseases is dependent on public awareness and appropriate training of specialists. Tis stands true for every medical d- cipline. For vascular surgery it has an additional aspect because, besides the required above-average standard of technical dexterity, the vascular surgeon should also be well versed in a variety of subjects such as molecular biology, in the use of ultrasound and – with the introduction of endovascular techniques – a skilful operator of guidewires and laparoscopic instruments. All the ac- mulated know-how and skills required for proper management of the vascular patient demand a rapid change in the training of vascular surgeons and an - depth knowledge of the various manifestations of vascular diseases. Te information necessary for the above is disseminated through books, journals and the internet. Most of the time, however, articles in journals refect the experience and enthusiasm of the authors on the subject but not the level of knowledge of the medical community as a whole. Electronic information is fast and reliable but always gives the reader the impression of being short-lived. Books, on the other hand, allow a refection of what has been written and a true interactive role for the reader.

Vascular Surgery and the Vascular Patient.- The History of Vascular Surgery in Europe.- Development of Atherosclerosis for the Vascular Surgeon.- Lipids and Peripheral Arterial Disease.- Clotting Disorders: What Should the Vascular Surgeon Know About Hypercoagulation States in Venous Diseases?.- Noninvasive Diagnosis of Vascular Diseases.- Invasive Diagnosis of Vascular Diseases.- Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Vascular Disease.- Preoperative Evaluation of a Vascular Patient.- Peri-operative Care of the Vascular Patient.- Training of the Vascular Surgeon for Endovascular Procedures.- Peripheral Arterial Disease and Emerging Biochemical Vascular Risk Factors.- Quality Control in Vascular Surgery.- Cerebrovascular Arteries.- Haemodynamic Changes and Other Risk Factors for Complications During Carotid Procedures.- Extracranial Carotid Artery Disease.- Eversion Carotid Endarterectomy Technique.- Fibromuscular Dysplasia.- Aneurysms of the Extracranial Carotid Arteries.- Endovascular Treatment of Carotid Stenosis.- Carotid body tumour.- Combined Treatment of Coronary Plus Other Arterial Pathologies: The Magnitude of the Polyatherosclerotic Patient.- Upper Extremity Arteries.- Upper Extremity Occlusive Disease.- Vasospastic Disorders of the Upper Extremities.- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.- Traumatic Injury of Upper Extremity Arteries.- Thoracic Aorta.- Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms.- Aortic Dissection.- Trauma of the Thoracic Aorta.- Abdominal Aorta and Iliac Arteries.- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).- Treatment Options for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).- Inflammatory Aneurysms of the Abdominal Aorta.- Technically Challenging Cases for Endovascular Repair of Aortic Aneurysms.- Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease.- Aortobifemoral By-pass: Laparoscopy-Assisted and Totally Laparoscopic Operative Procedures.- Aortouniiliac Endoprosthesis and Femoro-femoral Crossover for AAA Repair.- Visceral Arteries.- Occlusive Disease of the Coeliac and Superior Mesenteric Arteries.- Visceral Artery Aneurysms.- Acute Ischaemia of the Visceral Arteries.- Lower Extremity Arteries.- Lower Limb Arterial Recanalization.- Femorodistal By-pass Surgery.- Acute Ischaemia of the Lower Extremities.- Lower Extremity Aneurysms.- Buerger’s Disease of the Lower Extremities.- Popliteal Artery Entrapment and Popliteal Adventitial Cystic Disease.- Vascular Trauma of the Lower Limb.- Diabetic Foot.- Diabetic Foot.- Amputations.- Amputation of Extremities.- Venous Diseases.- Chronic Venous Insufficiency.- Deep Venous Thrombosis.- Lymphatics.- Lymphoedema.- Arteriovenous Malformations.- Arteriovenous Malformations.- Angioaccess Surgery.- Vascular Access to Patients in Haemodialysis.- Multidisciplinary Vascular Issues.- Infections in Vascular Surgery.- Vascular Problems in Urological Surgery.- Vascular Trauma in Orthopaedic Surgery.- Treatment of Aortic Arch Diseases.

Gregory D. Skalkeas Professor Emeritus, Academician, President of the Foundation of Biomedical Research of the Academy of Athens Vascular surgery has acquired a well-established identity throughout the Eu- pean Union, where vascular diseases are still the leading cause (40%) of death and disability. Proper management of vascular diseases is dependent on public awareness and appropriate training of specialists. Tis stands true for every medical d- cipline. For vascular surgery it has an additional aspect because, besides the required above-average standard of technical dexterity, the vascular surgeon should also be well versed in a variety of subjects such as molecular biology, in the use of ultrasound and – with the introduction of endovascular techniques – a skilful operator of guidewires and laparoscopic instruments. All the ac- mulated know-how and skills required for proper management of the vascular patient demand a rapid change in the training of vascular surgeons and an - depth knowledge of the various manifestations of vascular diseases. Te information necessary for the above is disseminated through books, journals and the internet. Most of the time, however, articles in journals refect the experience and enthusiasm of the authors on the subject but not the level of knowledge of the medical community as a whole. Electronic information is fast and reliable but always gives the reader the impression of being short-lived. Books, on the other hand, allow a refection of what has been written and a true interactive role for the reader.