Lombardy establishes new vascular surgery network for aortic diseases

The Lombardy Region has approved the establishment of a new Regional Vascular Surgery Network to organize the treatment of acute and chronic aortic diseases. Proposed by Welfare Assessor Guido Bertolaso, the new organizational model aims to provide more homogeneous, safe, and effective assistance across the territory by concentrating treatments in facilities with the highest expertise, technology, and clinical outcomes.

Under this system, patients will be directed to the most appropriate facility based on the complexity of their pathology rather than mere geographic proximity. The network includes 23 centers, with the Policlinico San Matteo in Pavia designated as a Group A center for the most complex cases. The Istituto di Cura Città di Pavia has been placed in Group B for abdominal aorta issues.

The network is designed to ensure rapid transfers during emergencies and will be integrated with existing networks for heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular rehabilitation to create shared care pathways.