ENHANCE PAD – A Certifying Workshop in Basic Endovascular Techniques and Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

A collaboration:  Esvs and copeNHAgeN CErtification programme (ENHANCE ) is a a collaborative initiative between the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS), the Copenhagen Academy of Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), and the Department of Vascular Surgery at the University Hospital Copenhagen-Rigshospitalet. In the ENHANCE programme, acquired skills and knowledge will be certified based on validated assessment methods. Data will be collected throughout the ENHANCE programme to support ongoing research and drive continuous improvement. The ENHANCE programme is non-profit and non-sponsored.

Please note that due to low take-up, this workshop is being postponed to 2026. 

Join: Michael Strøm Consultant, PhD,
Jonas, Eiberg, Professor, co-convenor, Dept. Vasc. Surg Rigshospitalet
Kim, Bredahl, MD PhD, co-onvenor, Dept. Vasc. Surg Rigshospitalet

Programme description: ENHANCE PAD will build a strong foundation for continued clinical training in endovascular treatment of PAD. This course is run by a highly experienced team of convenors and supervisors dedicated to educating and effectively treating PAD. The trainee-to-trainer ratio is 2:1, ensuring intensive learning and feedback. The course combines e-learning with hands-on technical simulation training and personalized feedback to enhance learning outcomes.

• Simulation-Based Training: The course is structured as a simulation-based programme, meticulously tailored to meet Danish standards and is mandatory for all Danish Vascular Surgical Trainees.
• E-Learning & Continuous Assessment: Participants will engage in extensive e-learning modules, complemented by continuous testing to ensure mastery of technical skills.
• Patient Safety: No prior technical skills are required before enrolling in ENHANCE PAD. In the interest of patient safety, this course should be completed before trainees begin hands-on training with patients.

Learning objectives: The ENHANCE PAD aims to provide healthcare professionals with critical practical and theoretical competencies in basic endovascular (EV) techniques and equipment. With a specific focus on the iliac-femoral segment, trainees will learn safe access and perform simple EV treatments for PAD and vessel closure. By the end of the programme, participants will be ready to advance their endovascular training on real patients.

To obtain: Technical skills in elective infrarenal basic endovascular procedures; Reach proficiency in the validated assessment for basic interventions; Technical skills in percutaneous access simbionix.
To gain non-technical skills in elective basic endovascular procedures: Anatomy and pathophysiology; Endovascular procedural steps; Endovascular toolbox; Complications and follow-up; Radiation-safety; Sizing and planning.

ENHANCE_PAD_detailed programme

Participant level: The target group is novices and advanced beginners, typically vascular surgical trainees. Basic knowledge of vascular anatomy is expected. Participants will be paired in teams of two for dyad training, based on prior experience.

Certification: You will be continuously assessed during the course and will be certified according to the validated standards developed in Copenhagen if you pass. Medtech accreditation is being sought for this event. CME accreditation is not being sought for this event. To earn certification, participants must:.

• Complete and pass a comprehensive ENHANCE e-learning programme, before hands-on training in Copenhagen. Accepted participants will receive a link for the modular eL program 3-4 weeks before the hands-on sessions in Copenhagen.
• Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of PAD, relevant anatomy, and endovascular techniques.
• We aim to improve our training through research, and data collection for such work may be part of ENHANCE. Data collection will be strictly confidential and comply with GDPR and Danish legislation.

Registration and cancellation policy: The course fee is €2,000 for ESVS members and €2,500 for non-members. The fee/registration includes pre-course E-learning, 3 days of hands-on training, lunches/coffee during the 3 days, networking-dinner on day 1. The fee/registration does not include  transport, accommodation and additional meals. The ENHANCE PAD programme is non-sponsored and non-profit. For questions on course content, qualifications and whether the course fits your level –  please contact course convenor Michael Strøm michaell.stroem@regionh.dk. Please contact Ciara McFerran info@esvs.org – in the first instance, to receive a screening questionnaire of your level, that needs to be completed asap. Applicants will be informed of the outcome within 2 weeks, after which you can buy the ticket here, in accordance with your membership.

By participating in the course and entering in the venue, you consent to the publication, release, exhibition and reproduction of such materials to be used for the ESVS website, ESVS communications and on ESVS social media. If you don’t want to appear in communications, please make the organisers aware.

Please note that the course is dependent on final registration numbers. If the course is cancelled, an announcement will be made on the website no later than one calendar month before the course starts and all registrants will be informed. Travel and accommodation must therefore not be booked until this date has passed – ESVS is not financially responsible if the event has to be cancelled due to low numbers, in this timeframe. For cancellations received by participants more than one calendar month before the event, a refund will be given less an administration fee of 10 EUR. For cancellations received after this, no refund is possible.

Workshop venue: Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Copenhagen, Denmark. Five minutes walk from Rigshospitalet and well connected to Copenhagen Airport (Metro, bus, taxi).
Dinner venue: Restaurant Madklubben Østerbro Østerbrogade 79 2100 København.

Suggested hotel accommodation (not included):
1) Hotel Rye Ryesgade 115, 2100 København Ø Phone: +45 35265210 E-mail: rye@hotelrye.dk / https://rye115.com/
2) Hotel Nora Copenhagen Nørrebrogade 18 B, DK-2200 København N Phone (+45) 35 37 20 21 E-mail: nora@hotelnora.dk / www.hotelnora.dk
3) Hotel Kong Arthur Nørre Søgade 11, 1370 København K Tlf. (+45) 33 11 12 12 E-mail: kongarthur@arthurhotels.dk / www.arthurhotels.dk

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