Physician-Industry Relationships in Vascular Surgery

Interactions between industry and physicians are important in any specialty, but perhaps nowhere more so than in Vascular Surgery. Our field is a highly technological one, and there can be significant mutual benefit when vascular surgeons and our industry partners work together including better device development, improved dissemination of knowledge, and alternative revenue streams. There is, however, potential for inappropriate and unethical behaviour. Here we discuss the types of potential relationships as well as their benefits and risks, and processes for disclosure and reporting.