--- title: "2020 Symposium" description: "The Vascular Access Society of the Americas (VASA) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to enhancing dialysis access care through education, research, and advocacy. Join VASA for expert-led events, access the Journal of Vascular Access, and connect with professionals committed to advancing" url: "https://vasamd.org/events/symposium/2020" date: "2026-06-13T05:15:36+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- # 2020 Symposium ![](https://vasamd.org/_resources/images/symposium/2020/banner.jpg)The VASA Symposium is designed for all transplant, vascular and general surgeons, nephrologists, interventional radiologists, nurses, and allied health professionals who are interested in the management of vascular access. The 2020 Symposium will include: - State of the art lectures - Scientific abstract presentations - Vascular access nursing & allied health content - Information on new devices & technologies - Video presentations - Poster session **Learning Objectives** Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: - Discuss the factors predictive of fistula outcomes, optimal surgical & interventional techniques to create and/or maintain fistula - Explain current graft surgery techniques, materials, & devices - Describe current catheter technologies & best practices for catheter site care - Identify suitable patients for peritoneal dialysis; understanding of surgical and percutaneous methods for peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation - Outline systems and processes of care to coordinate & communicate between key providers involved in dialysis access care | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 — ALLIED HEALTH PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP | |---| | **08:00 AM - 09:30 AM** | Session 1 Introduction & Review of the Session Objectives **Speaker:** Deborah Brouwer-Maier, RN, CNN --- Surgical Overview of Hemodialysis Vascular Access Creations **Speaker:** Shawn Gage, PA-C --- Endovascular Procedures: What Are They and What Is Used to Perform Them? **Speaker:** Michael T. Serle, DMSc, PA-C | | **09:45 AM - 10:53 AM** | Session 2 ESKD Life Plan That Includes Dialysis Access **Speaker:** Deborah Brouwer-Maier, RN, CNN --- Updates on Cannulation Including POCUS for Cannulation **Speakers:** Judy Geissler, DNP, APNP, FNP-BC, CNN; Forest Rawls, Jr., CHT,CCHT-A,FNKF --- Cannulation, Pearls of Wisdom through a Phlebotomist’s Eyes **Speaker:** Brandy Taylor, PBT(ASCP) | | **ON DEMAND** | Global Dialysis Practice Patterns of Hemodialysis Prescriptions as it Relates to the Vascular Access **Speaker:** Eric Weinhandl, PhD, MS, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy --- Magic: Managing Access by Generating Improvement in Cannulation: A Joint BRS VA and VASBI Project **Speakers:** Katie Fielding, Scott Oliver, Alison Swain, Margaret Aitken, Mick Kumwenda --- Vascular Access Basics (English and Spanish Sessions) **Speakers:** Michele Inglese, MSN, RN; Elke Ojeda Ulloa, PA-C, Lic; W. Jim Escobar, RN --- One Minute Check (English and Spanish Sessions) **Speakers:** Michele Inglese, MSN, RN; Elke Ojeda Ulloa, PA-C, Lic; W. Jim Escobar, RN | | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 — GLOBAL DIALYSIS ACCESS FORUM | |---| | **01:00 PM - 02:30 PM** | **Session 1** Global Dialysis Access Forum (GDaF) Concept and Goal **Speaker:** Surendra Shenoy, MD, PhD --- VASA Visions for Access in the Americas **Speaker:** Jeffrey H. Lawson, MD, PhD --- VAS: Visions for the Future **Speaker:** David Shemash, MD --- Interventional Nephrologist and Vascular Access Care **Speaker:** Gerald Beathard, MD --- Interventional Nephrologist in Japan: Evolving Role **Speaker:** Takashi Sato, MD --- Organized Access Care in Latin America? **Speaker:** Jaime H. Velez, MD --- APSDA: Organizational Challenges in Asian Pacific Nations **Speaker:** Yong-Soo Kim, MD --- Learning From Quality Improvement Programs for Vascular Access: The UK Model **Speaker:** Nicholos Inston, MD --- Impact of COVID on Vascular Access Care in India **Speaker:** Sanjiv Jesuja, MD **Moderators:** Jeffrey H. Lawson, MD, PhD, Jose Ibeas, MD, PhD, Takashi Sato, MD | | **02:30 PM - 02:50 PM** | Break | | **02:50 PM - 03:50 PM** | **Session 2** Why Forearm Access is Prevalent in Japan **Speaker:** Hideki Kawanishi, MD) --- VA Guidelines: What is Same and What is Different **Speaker:** Jose Ibeas, MD --- Challenges of International Data Collection and Use **Speaker:** Robert Lee, MD --- Should There Be International Standards for VA Clinical Trials? **Speaker:** Monnie Wasse, MD --- Vascular Access Registry **Speaker:** James Gilbert, MD **Moderators:** John Aruny, Surendra Shenoy, MD, PhD, David Shemash, MD | | **03:50 PM - 04:50 PM** | Session 3 - Providers and Patients International Dialysis Access Round Table **Moderators:** Prabir Roy Chaudhury MD; Mitch Henry, MD **Physicians:** Paul Gibbs, MD (UK), Surendra Shenoy, MD (US) **Patients:** Mr. Phil West (UK), Ms. Nicole Jefferson (US), Ms. Caroline Wilkie (US) **Dialysis Access Nurses:** Lisa Koester (Dialysis access NP), Cindy Roberts (UNC Nephrology), Forest Rawls CHT, CCHT – A, FNKF (Emory Dialysis) | | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020 | |---| | **08:00 AM - 08:45 AM** | Welcome & Opening Remarks **Speakers:** Jeff Lawson, MD, PhD, VASA President; John Aruny, MD | | **08:00 AM - 08:45 AM** | Home Hemodialysis Has Anyone Thought About the Access? **Speaker:** John Ross, MD --- Home Hemodialysis Cannulation **Speaker:** Jessica Lancaster | | **08:45 AM - 09:15 AM** | VASA Presidential Address **Speakers:** Jeff Lawson, MD, PhD, VASA President | | **09:15 AM - 09:45 AM** | Morning Break - Visit Exhibits | | **09:45 AM - 10:30 AM** | Hemodialysis Access Grafts/Fistulas 1 My Go to Graft and Why-Xenografts (Bovine) **Speaker:** Colby Atkins, MD --- Defining What Is an "Early" Cannulation Graft **Speaker:** Nick Inston, MD | | **10:30 AM - 11:15 AM** | Peritoneal Dialysis Peritoneal Dialysis for Immediate Starters, Patient Selection & Why **Speaker:** Mohamed Ali Sheta, MD --- Percutaneous Technique for Placement of Peritoneal Catheters **Speaker:** John Aruny, MD --- How I Salvage Dysfunctional Peritoneal Catheters **Speaker:** Mark London, MD | | **12:30 PM - 01:30 PM** | Luncheon Symposium 24-Month Update on the AVeNEW Trial for Outflow Stenosis in AV Fistula Circuits **Speaker:** Dirk Baumann, MD --- 6-Month Update on European and Canadian clinical data on the WavelinQ™ EndoAVF System **Speaker:** Dheeraj Rajan, MD | | **01:30 PM - 02:00 PM** | The Holland Lecture **Speaker:** Deborah J. Brouwer-Mair, RN, CNN | | **02:20 AM - 02:30 PM** | Abstract Session 1 Impact of Prior History of Central Venous Catheter for Hemodialysis on Upper Extremity Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation Rates **Speaker:** Christopher Ruben-Castillo, MD --- Treatment of Wide Neck Hemodialysis Access Pseudoaneurysms with Ultrasound Guided Thrombin Injection Under Concomitant Access Balloon Inflation: A Viable Treatment Alternative that Avoids Access Stent Grafting and Open Repair **Speaker:** Sarit Sandowski-Pizow --- Arteriovenous Fistulas as a Vascular Access for Elderly Patients in Hemodialysis **Speaker:** Gabriel Lopez-Pena | | **02:30 PM - 02:45 PM** | Afternoon Break | | **02:45 PM - 03:45 PM** | Regulation, Education, & Public Policy "I'm from the Government and I'm Here to Help" FDA Resources to Benefit Your Practice **Speaker:** Robert Lee, MD --- President's Executive Order Explained **Speaker:** Aris Urbanes, MD --- Controversial Issues of DOQI 2019 **Speaker:** Charmaine Lok, MD --- VQI - Hemodialysis Access **Speaker:** Ted Yuo, MD | | **03:45 PM - 05:00 PM** | Hemodynamics and Basic Science as Related to Access Bone Marrow Stem Cells Project **Speaker:** Sanjay Misra, MD --- Practical Hemodynamics: Useful in Achieving Better Results **Speaker:** Surendra Shenoy, MD, PhD --- The Radar Fistula: Hemodynamic Advantages **Speaker:** Alan Dardik, MD --- The HFM Project **Speaker:** Scott Berceli, MD | ## Schema ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://vasamd.org" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Symposium", "item": "https://vasamd.org/events/symposium" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "2020", "item": "https://vasamd.org/events/symposium/2020" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://vasamd.org/events/symposium/2020#organization2", "name": "Vascular Access Society of the Americas", "alternateName": "Agentis", "legalName": "Agentis Management", "email": "info@vasamd.org", "url": "https://vasamd.org", "telephone": "(859) 977-7457", "foundingDate": "2004-01-01", "logo": "https://vasamd.org//images/gsd.png", "image": "https://vasamd.org//images/gsd.png", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 205, Frankfort, Kentucky", "postalCode": "40601" } } ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://vasamd.org/events/symposium/2020" }, "headline": "2020 Symposium", "description": "2020 Symposium The VASA Symposium is designed for all transplant, vascular and general surgeons, nephrologists, interventional radiologists, nurses, and allied health professionals who are interested in the management of vascular access. The 2020 Symposium will include: State of the art lectures Scientific abstract presentations Vascular access nursing & allied health content Information on new devices & technologies Video presentations Poster session Learning ObjectivesUpon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: Discuss the factors predictive of fistula outcomes, optimal surgical & interventional techniques to create and/or maintain fistula Explain current graft surgery techniques, materials, & devices Describe current catheter technologies & best practices for catheter site care Identify suitable patients for peritoneal dialysis; understanding of surgical and percutaneous methods for peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation Outline systems and processes of care to coordinate & communicate between key providers involved in dialysis access care THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 — ALLIED HEALTH PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM Session 1 Introduction & Review of the Session Objectives Speaker: Deborah Brouwer-Maier, RN, CNN {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Surgical Overview of Hemodialysis Vascular Access Creations Speaker: Shawn Gage, PA-C {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Endovascular Procedures: What Are They and What Is Used to Perform Them? Speaker: Michael T. Serle, DMSc, PA-C {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 09:45 AM - 10:53 AM Session 2 ESKD Life Plan That Includes Dialysis Access Speaker: Deborah Brouwer-Maier, RN, CNN {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Updates on Cannulation Including POCUS for Cannulation Speakers: Judy Geissler, DNP, APNP, FNP-BC, CNN; Forest Rawls, Jr., CHT,CCHT-A,FNKF {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Cannulation, Pearls of Wisdom through a Phlebotomist’s Eyes Speaker: Brandy Taylor, PBT(ASCP) {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} ON DEMAND Global Dialysis Practice Patterns of Hemodialysis Prescriptions as it Relates to the Vascular Access Speaker: Eric Weinhandl, PhD, MS, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Magic: Managing Access by Generating Improvement in Cannulation: A Joint BRS VA and VASBI Project Speakers: Katie Fielding, Scott Oliver, Alison Swain, Margaret Aitken, Mick Kumwenda {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Vascular Access Basics (English and Spanish Sessions) Speakers: Michele Inglese, MSN, RN; Elke Ojeda Ulloa, PA-C, Lic; W. Jim Escobar, RN {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation View Presentation {/show} One Minute Check (English and Spanish Sessions) Speakers: Michele Inglese, MSN, RN; Elke Ojeda Ulloa, PA-C, Lic; W. Jim Escobar, RN {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 — GLOBAL DIALYSIS ACCESS FORUM 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM Session 1 Global Dialysis Access Forum (GDaF) Concept and Goal Speaker: Surendra Shenoy, MD, PhD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} VASA Visions for Access in the Americas Speaker: Jeffrey H. Lawson, MD, PhD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} VAS: Visions for the Future Speaker: David Shemash, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Interventional Nephrologist and Vascular Access Care Speaker: Gerald Beathard, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Interventional Nephrologist in Japan: Evolving Role Speaker: Takashi Sato, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Organized Access Care in Latin America? Speaker: Jaime H. Velez, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} APSDA: Organizational Challenges in Asian Pacific Nations Speaker: Yong-Soo Kim, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Learning From Quality Improvement Programs for Vascular Access: The UK Model Speaker: Nicholos Inston, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Impact of COVID on Vascular Access Care in India Speaker: Sanjiv Jesuja, MD Moderators: Jeffrey H. Lawson, MD, PhD, Jose Ibeas, MD, PhD, Takashi Sato, MD 02:30 PM - 02:50 PM Break 02:50 PM - 03:50 PM Session 2 Why Forearm Access is Prevalent in Japan Speaker: Hideki Kawanishi, MD) {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} VA Guidelines: What is Same and What is Different Speaker: Jose Ibeas, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Challenges of International Data Collection and Use Speaker: Robert Lee, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Should There Be International Standards for VA Clinical Trials? Speaker: Monnie Wasse, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Vascular Access Registry Speaker: James Gilbert, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Moderators: John Aruny, Surendra Shenoy, MD, PhD, David Shemash, MD 03:50 PM - 04:50 PM Session 3 - Providers and Patients International Dialysis Access Round Table Moderators: Prabir Roy Chaudhury MD; Mitch Henry, MD Physicians: Paul Gibbs, MD (UK), Surendra Shenoy, MD (US) Patients: Mr. Phil West (UK), Ms. Nicole Jefferson (US), Ms. Caroline Wilkie (US) Dialysis Access Nurses: Lisa Koester (Dialysis access NP), Cindy Roberts (UNC Nephrology), Forest Rawls CHT, CCHT – A, FNKF (Emory Dialysis) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020 08:00 AM - 08:45 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks Speakers: Jeff Lawson, MD, PhD, VASA President; John Aruny, MD 08:00 AM - 08:45 AM Home Hemodialysis Has Anyone Thought About the Access? Speaker: John Ross, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Home Hemodialysis Cannulation Speaker: Jessica Lancaster {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 08:45 AM - 09:15 AM VASA Presidential Address Speakers: Jeff Lawson, MD, PhD, VASA President {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 09:15 AM - 09:45 AM Morning Break - Visit Exhibits 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM Hemodialysis Access Grafts/Fistulas 1 My Go to Graft and Why-Xenografts (Bovine) Speaker: Colby Atkins, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Defining What Is an "Early" Cannulation Graft Speaker: Nick Inston, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Peritoneal Dialysis Peritoneal Dialysis for Immediate Starters, Patient Selection & Why Speaker: Mohamed Ali Sheta, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Percutaneous Technique for Placement of Peritoneal Catheters Speaker: John Aruny, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} How I Salvage Dysfunctional Peritoneal Catheters Speaker: Mark London, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM Luncheon Symposium {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 24-Month Update on the AVeNEW Trial for Outflow Stenosis in AV Fistula Circuits Speaker: Dirk Baumann, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 6-Month Update on European and Canadian clinical data on the WavelinQ™ EndoAVF System Speaker: Dheeraj Rajan, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM The Holland Lecture Speaker: Deborah J. Brouwer-Mair, RN, CNN {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 02:20 AM - 02:30 PM Abstract Session 1 Impact of Prior History of Central Venous Catheter for Hemodialysis on Upper Extremity Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation Rates Speaker: Christopher Ruben-Castillo, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Treatment of Wide Neck Hemodialysis Access Pseudoaneurysms with Ultrasound Guided Thrombin Injection Under Concomitant Access Balloon Inflation: A Viable Treatment Alternative that Avoids Access Stent Grafting and Open Repair Speaker: Sarit Sandowski-Pizow {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Arteriovenous Fistulas as a Vascular Access for Elderly Patients in Hemodialysis Speaker: Gabriel Lopez-Pena {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM Afternoon Break 02:45 PM - 03:45 PM Regulation, Education, & Public Policy "I'm from the Government and I'm Here to Help" FDA Resources to Benefit Your Practice Speaker: Robert Lee, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} President's Executive Order Explained Speaker: Aris Urbanes, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Controversial Issues of DOQI 2019 Speaker: Charmaine Lok, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} VQI - Hemodialysis Access Speaker: Ted Yuo, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} 03:45 PM - 05:00 PM Hemodynamics and Basic Science as Related to Access Bone Marrow Stem Cells Project Speaker: Sanjay Misra, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} Practical Hemodynamics: Useful in Achieving Better Results Speaker: Surendra Shenoy, MD, PhD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} The Radar Fistula: Hemodynamic Advantages Speaker: Alan Dardik, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show} The HFM Project Speaker: Scott Berceli, MD {show usergroup="Registered"} View Presentation {/show}", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://vasamd.org/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Vascular Access Society of the Americas", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://vasamd.org//images/gsd.png" } }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Paul Scarnegie", "url": "https://vasamd.org/events/symposium/2020" }, "datePublished": "2025-06-20T21:46:40+00:00", "dateCreated": "2025-06-20T21:46:40+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-05-27T20:54:48+00:00" } ```