SVS Research Survey

Conducted By The SVS Research Council

In order to objectively define the depth and breadth of both basic science and clinical research performed by SVS members, a survey tool was developed and disseminated to the membership in late 2004, and data collected. A total of 571 members responded to the questionnaire. Of the respondents 48% were in an academic practice. The age distribution was 30-39: 12%, 40-49: 31%, 50-59: 30%, >60: 26%. Ninety-five percent of the respondents were male.

In summary, the survey found that basic science research was performed within the past 15 years by 46% of the respondents; however almost half of these researchers (48%) have discontinued their basic science research programs. At present only 22% of respondents are conducting ongoing basic science research.

Of the basic science research programs that are functioning, 60% are supported through external funding. These funding sources include 19 NIH – KO8 awards (5% of total external funding) and 44 NIH-RO1 awards (13% of total external funding). NIH funding of basic science research accounts for 18% of external funding sources, other sources include AHA funding (9%), private foundation (24%), industry (31%) and other sources in 24%.

The typical vascular surgeon-scientist spends less than 10% of their time devoted to basic science research and in 62% of cases collaborates with a PhD. Vascular surgeon-scientists spend greater than 20% of their time conducting basic research in 17% of cases and greater than 60% of their time in only 4%. Areas of research most commonly investigated are restenosis (36%), atherosclerosis (27%) and AAA (25%). Areas of less intense investigation by vascular surgeon - scientists include angiogenesis, vasospasm and genetics.

Clinical research was performed by 74% of the respondents. Similar to basic science funding, industry was the most common source of funding though this was more dramatic. Industry was the source of funding for clinical research in 55% of projects, NIH funding for 13%, private foundation sponsored 20%, and other sources of funding for clinical research were present in 12% of cases. Of the respondents 67% spend less than 10% of their time on clinical research and 7% spend more than 20%. Dedicated research nurses were present in 63% of cases. Forty percent of vascular surgeon- researchers are conducting trials related to AAA or TAAA repair. This is the most common area of clinical research. Other areas of clinical research include carotid stenting in 25% (96 sites), outcomes/screening research in 36% of sites, angiogenesis in 11% and imaging trials in 17% of sites.

When queried how useful is clinical research to your practice 48% scored this >7 where 10 is the most favorable response. The two areas of future research most important to the respondents include carotid stent versus endarterectomy trials and molecular therapies to prevent restenosis. The next most important area of research was outcomes evidence based therapy. Other less frequently cited areas included device trials for TAAA and suprarenal AAA, angiogenesis and new anticoagulants. The overwhelming response to funding mechanisms for this research is combined SVS/NIH sponsored multi-center studies.

View the complete results of the questionnaire

Society for Vascular Surgery - 633 N. St. Clair, 24th Floor; Chicago, IL 60611; Phone: 312-334-2300 or 800-258-7188; Fax: 312-334-2320; Email: vascular@vascularsociety.org
© 2009 VascularWeb. All rights reserved. Use of the VascularWeb site constitutes acceptance of all of the policies, rules and regulations for the site.