Original Research
Standards of radiation protection amongst UK vascular surgeons: a clinician’s perspective
Background The rapid evolution of endovascular technologies over the past 30 years has driven an exponential rise in the number of x-ray guided minimally invasive procedures undertaken by clinicians, including vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, angiologists and cardiologists. In the UK approximately 60% of all aortic cases are performed endovascularly1 compared with just 1% in 2001;…
Read MoreCurrent practice in ultrasound grading of carotid artery stenosis in the UK and Ireland
Introduction The degree and severity of a stenosis near the carotid bifurcation and internal carotid artery (ICA) will determine the risk/benefit relationship for a patient undergoing carotid endarterectomy surgery.1 The diagnostic accuracy of duplex ultrasound in grading ICA stenoses is comparable to computerised tomographic angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and it remains an…
Read MoreThe prevalence and solutions to burnout amongst surgical trainees
Introduction Following the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers in the UK suffer high psychological distress.1 Increasing attrition rates globally, especially among female surgical trainees, highlight the need for prioritising surgical trainee well-being.2–4 However, there are limited data on the mental well-being and burnout experienced by surgeons and surgical trainees. Burnout is a syndrome comprising emotional exhaustion,…
Read MoreCardiovascular morbidity, mortality and risk management in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms
Introduction An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a focal dilation of the abdominal aorta with a diameter of 3.0 cm or more. Within the UK the national screening programme has shown an AAA prevalence in men aged >65 years of 1.57%, similar to that in the USA.1 The implementation of screening programmes for AAAs across…
Read MoreNurse-delivered endothermal venous ablation: 12 years’ experience at a single UK centre
Introduction Attention is currently being directed towards the care of patients with venous disease in the UK. Contemporary research supports early intervention of incompetent superficial truncal veins, especially beneficial to patients suffering from venous leg ulceration (VLU). However, there are significant difficulties in the delivery of venous services impeding the implementation of best practice. In…
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