The German-speaking Association for Microsurgery of Vessels and Nerves was founded on October 18, 1977 at a hand surgery conference in Erlangen.
Representatives from Germany, Austria and Switzerland recognized the need for a professional organization in this field of surgery, which at that time was being used by an increasing number of reconstructive surgeons as an innovative technique.
There was a need for action in that there was still no generally valid terminology in the context of this surgery.
The newly founded working group had set itself the goal of not only scientifically supervising this surgery; an important consideration was also to establish international contacts and to promote young talent through targeted teaching.
In the first year, 26 applications for full membership were submitted to the then secretary, Prof. Dr. Biemer / Munich, which underscores the above-average interest in microsurgery.
Since 1978 (Prof. Dr. H. Millesi/Vienna), annual conferences have been held in the participating countries, all of which were well attended and saw an increase in membership.
In retrospect, this working group has succeeded in fully achieving the goals it set itself at the time. This group of experts continues to be a point of reference in both practical and scientific fields for doctors working in microsurgery.