The Societas Phlebologica Scandinavica or Scandinavian Venous Forum (SVF) was inaugurated in September 1963. This makes SVF one of the worlds oldest venous societies.
The swedish surgeon Professor Gunnar Bauer saw the need for a Scandinavian venous society and together with Dr Knut Haeger, he created the SVF.
Professor Bauer was a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with venous thrombosis. He emphasised the importance of early diagnosis through phlebography, mobilization and the use of heparin thereby reducing complications.
Since its creation the SVF has arranged a scientific meeting and general assembly every second year as well as numerous venous courses. SVF being a Nordic society the meetings have been in all nordic countries.
In 2014 the society was on the brink of being closed due to a decreasing number of paying members and sponsors.
Thanks to swift action of Professor Bo Eklof, well known for his commitment to the field of venous disease, the society was saved.
The following meetings were made a part of the Swedish society for vascular surgery annual meetings from 2015-2023. There is however now a steady member increase and from 2024 onwards the SVF scientific meeting will once again be a separate event.
The purposes of the society is :
To promote research in vein pathology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment methods in venous disease.
To promote education in venous disease
To arrange scientific meetings and courses
To give economic support for scientific studies
Membership is open for doctors from the Nordic countries and other cathegories of health personal with an interest in venous disease in its broadest sense.
The board of SVF consists of a chairman, vice chairman/president elect, secretary, treasurer and one board member. The positions are open for paying members from all nordic countries. The board members, except the president elect who is elected for a two year period, have a four year term with a possible extension for a second four year term.