Original Research
Calculating and reducing the environmental impact of hybrid endovascular surgery
Introduction Background Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, driven predominantly over the past two centuries by human activity, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels. The release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) traps heat within the atmosphere, raising global temperatures,1 which is known as…
A national UK-wide survey of tranexamic acid use in vascular surgery
Introduction Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic lysine analogue that inhibits fibrinolysis and reduces surgical bleeding by stabilising clot formation.1 Large randomised trials have demonstrated its efficacy in a range of clinical settings including trauma, postpartum haemorrhage and cardiac surgery, where TXA has been associated with reductions in mortality, critical bleeding and transfusion requirements.2-5 National…
Development of a rehabilitation programme for individuals with chronic limb threatening ischaemia post revascularisation (HOPE): a modified Delphi study
Introduction Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects over 236 million globally,1 equating to approximately 20% of individuals aged over 60 in the UK. Already identified as the leading contributor to vascular service demand within secondary care,2 the prevalence of this condition is projected to increase by 50% by the year 2045.3 The most severe manifestation of…
Can pre-existing CT or MRI scans be used to improve efficiency and ascertainment in the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (NAAASP)?
Introduction Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are abnormal dilatations of the aorta below the diaphragm and before its bifurcation into the two common iliac arteries. The majority of AAAs are asymptomatic but, with time, the AAA grows and with it the chance of rupture, at which point it is often fatal.1 Early detection and monitoring improves…
Outcome measurement for vascular amputee patients: a scoping survey of UK clinical practice
Introduction Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and/or diabetes is the largest cause of major amputation.1 Individuals who have undergone an amputation due to vascular disease (‘vascular amputees’) often have multiple comorbidities, are older, frail,2 have decreased physical function and live with disability following their amputation.3,4 Vascular amputees often do not wear a prosthesis for ambulation for…
