Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Czech Angiologic Association after a year I would like to invite you again to participate in the Angiological Days held traditionally in the pre-Easter period. As you know, in 2001 we changed the place and for the first time the Angiological Days were held at the Masaryk's dormitory in Prague-Dejvice. Since most of the participants welcomed this change and the Congress centre at the dormitory proved to be a suitable place we will organize the 2002 session on these premises as well. Also with regard to the programme preparation we would like to further develop what had previously had acclaim throughout the last Angiological Days. Therefore we rely on the co-operation and participation of partner associations again - The Intervention Radiologists Association and The Cardiovascular Surgery Association, a significant involvement is expected from the working groups for duplex sonography and microcirculation, a significant place in the programme is reserved for practical demonstrations of examination as well treatment methods and interactive programmes.

Our meeting place itself has had a very disturbed history. The dormitory was built under the auspices of the president T. G. Masaryk and put into operation in 1927 as the most up-to-date student dormitory in Prague. It had maintained this position until 1939 when it was occupied by Gestapo. After the WWII students could return to the dormitory for a short period, but since 1952 the dormitory had again served for other purposes - to the State Security until November 1989. After restoration of the building back to the students throughout the years 1996-1999 the dormitory was completely refurbished into the original appearance and it again belongs to the best hostels in Prague; besides student accommodation it also offers congress services.

Dear friends, I believe that during the Angiological Days in 2002 you will use the opportunity for presentation of the results of your activities as well as for discussion and meeting with the major national and foreign experts involved in the problems of vascular diseases.