In 2010, BEST was founded with the grassroots goals of identifying uniquely Japanese forms of vascular intervention through routine medical care with firm regional roots, and providing patients in Japan with the best possible treatment available worldwide. This year will mark its fourth year.

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a major area of focus for BEST. We have always advocated the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes endovascular revascularization and wound care for the treatment of CLI. The engaging discussions that we had on this topic are still fresh in our memories. Epidemiological data suggests that the number of patients with diabetes will increase rapidly, especially in Asia and including Japan. Given this trend, diagnosis and treatment of peripheral arterial disease and CLI will become ever more important. This year, as before, we have invited endovascular experts all over Asia to share the current status of vascular disease treatment in their countries, and we hope to hold lively discussions again.

In the West, various advanced technologies are being applied to the field of endovascular therapy. Moving forward, we must determine what is truly necessary in the field as we continue to follow current developments around the world and in Japan. BEST will always remain innovative, stimulating and patient-centered. On December 7, we will gather to discuss the direction in which to steer endovascular therapy in Japan. Please save the date.

BEST Course Directors
Osami Kawarada
Kan Zen
Hideaki Obara