VASCERN, European Reference Network on Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases

VASCERN, the European Reference Network on Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases, is dedicated to gathering the best expertise in Europe in order to provide accessible cross-border healthcare to patients with rare vascular diseases (an estimated 1.3 Million concerned). These include arterial disease (affecting aorta to small arteries), arterio-venous anomalies, venous malformations, and lymphatic diseases. VASCERN currently gathers 48 expert teams from 39 highly specialized multidisciplinary HCPs, plus 6 additional Affiliated Partner centers, coming from 19 EU Member States, as well as various European Patient Organisations, and is coordinated in Paris, France (Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris). Through our 6 Rare Disease Working Groups (RDWGs) as well as several Transversal WGs and the ePAG – European Patient Advocacy Group, we aim to improve care, promote best practices and guidelines, reinforce research, empower patients, provide training for healthcare professionals and realise the full potential of European cooperation for specialised healthcare by exploiting the latest innovations in medical science and health technologies. We are one of the 24 European Reference Networks for rare, low-prevalence and complex diseases, co-funded by the European Union 3rd Health Programme. European Reference Networks (ERNs) are virtual networks involving healthcare providers across Europe. They aim to tackle complex or rare diseases and conditions that require highly specialised treatment and concentrated knowledge and resources. Health systems in the European Union aim to provide high-quality, cost-effective care. This is particularly difficult with rare or low-prevalence complex diseases or conditions. Between 5.000 and 8.000 rare diseases affect the daily lives of around 30 million people in the EU. You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.