Acknowledgments

As we concluded in the first edition, no listing of acknowledgments can ever be complete. We always strive to do better, so here is the second and better attempt to acknowledge significant contributions in producing this text. For the second edition, we are most indebted to our long-term registered vascular technologist, Sandra (Sam) Wheeler, Registered Vascular Technician (RVT). She was given the task of replacing as many of the Duplex images as possible from the previous edition with new sharper, clearer images using new high-resolution Duplex ultrasound devices. She was also charged with collecting new images for the new chapters on foam sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation, as well as clarifying some of the images for chapters dealing with anatomy. Sam did a wonderful job completing these projects. For years prior to the publication of this text, whenever we were performing ultrasound-guided procedures, Sam was thinking of what new images we needed to acquire for the textbook. Sam is a truly gifted person and we offer her our profound thanks.

We also owe a great deal of appreciation and recognition to Karin Sorenson, who is not only a phenomenal office manager but also an amazing organizer. She assisted with acquisition of patient images, and with her knowledge of software was able to assist and expedite image labeling. We wish Karin and her family all the best for the great years to come.

In terms of historical acknowledgments that led to the development of this textbook in the late 1990s, we wish to acknowledge the great French phlebologists including Drs. Frederic Vin, Andre Cornu-Thenard, Michel Schadeck, and our good friend and collaborator Jean-Jerome Guex. These are the “Four musketeers” of French phlebology. But the European influence does not stop there.

We remain indebted to the Swiss phlebologists and in particular to the dermatologic surgeon Dr. Albert-Adrien Ramelet. His ability to critically think through and solve medical and surgical problems has benefited not only us but also thousands of patients. Ramelet’s contributions and textbooks are an important part of medical and phlebologic history. His contributions to ambulatory phlebectomy and to the Ambulatory Phlebectomy (AP) chapter in this textbook allow dermatologists worldwide to claim this technique as their own and earned him honorary membership in the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.

The German phlebologic community also contributed to our positive experience and ultimately this book. Dr. Ulrich Shultz-Ehrenburg taught us Doppler to diagnose venous disease. Austrian dermatologic surgeon Dr. Hugo Partsch, past President of the International Union of Phlebology, another honorary member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, taught us compression principles and practice. It was through discussions with him that we first understood the importance of the lateral venous system. In the Netherlands, Dr. H.A.M. Neumann has taught us much not only in phlebology but also in the grace and joy of life in general. Dr. Eberhard Rabe has been instrumental in helping polidocanol, finally, be available on the American market as an alternative sclerosing solution. The great Italian phlebologists, Drs. Allegra, Corcos, Frullini, and when he was alive, Dr. Georgiev, taught us much as well.

Yet, the most important, historically, is Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, whose personal friendship and guidance was the primary driving force behind the first edition of this textbook. His influence has shaped our careers in phlebology and laser surgery. It was through initial interactions with him that we wrote our first manuscript on sclerotherapy in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology (JDSO) in 1990. His endless energy, his incredible capacity to write, and now his leadership skills as a future president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery will continue to be an inspiration.

Other noteworthy American physicians include Dr. David Duffy who taught the Weiss’ as residents how to inject telangiectasias. We are also grateful to past interactions with the great mind of Dr. John Bergan. He single-handedly reached out of the vascular surgery arena to pursue improvement of venous disease and exchange of information by all specialties, particularly dermatologists.

It is always clear during the writing of a textbook that so many influences shaped the opinions expressed. A special thanks to Dr. Craig Feied, without whom the first edition would have never occurred. While it is impossible to quantitate the influence of individuals, it is possible to thank the phenomenal individuals who helped us along the way.

Our gratitude also especially extends to Dr. Karen Beasley, without whose effort this second edition would never have seen the light of day nor the glow of an Light emitting diode (LED) display. Special thanks to her husband, John, and her daughters, without whose patience and understanding Karen would not have been able to spend the many hours necessary to help bring this edition to fruition. Daughters Kaleigh and Chloe can be very proud of their mother.