As the general population ages and faces an increasing obesity problem, there is an ever-rising demand for venous disease treatments. Although once considered a purely benign, superficial problem, the disease can actually reach a debilitating point and, in some cases, severely dampen patients' quality of life. Most interventional cardiologists routinely refer chronic venous insufficiency patients over to vascular surgeons, but as demand heightens, there is a solid argument for adding peripheral treatments to the cardiology armamentarium. The Venefit™ procedure with the ClosureFast™ radiofrequency catheter (Covidien, Mansfield, MA) has helped meet the needs of patients and physicians alike.

This supplement to Cardiac Interventions Today features four articles detailing some of the recent experiences of interventional cardiologists and a cardiovascular nurse who have ventured into the venous arena. The contributing authors detail some of the challenges they face in expanding their practice to this area, as well as provide helpful tips to make sure the transition to venous goes smoothly.

First, James D. Joye, DO, FACC, explains why it's worth focusing on superficial venous disease and how to become educated on diagnosing and treating the problem.

Next, Paul Kramer, MD, FACC, FSCAI, details the technique he uses for vein access, disease treatment, and optimizing his patients' outcomes.

Ernesto Rivera, MD, provides his firsthand experience with bringing venous disease to his group practice and how he convinced 11 cardiologists that it was a smart addition.

Finally, Michelle Sloan, RN, MSN, APN-BC, shows how to create and sustain a positive venous disease treatment culture in a cardiovascular practice by educating staff, referring physicians, and potential patients.

We hope you find this supplement to be a valuable educational tool in your efforts to provide your patients with venous treatments and increased quality of life.