Original Research
Understanding variation in the management of AAA in the UK: composition and function of multidisciplinary team meetings and information resources provided to patients
Introduction There is marked national1,2 and international3 variation in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair practice and, more specifically, in the proportion of patients undergoing open surgical repair (OSR), endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or no repair (conservative management). In 2022, the UK National Vascular Registry (NVR) reported that 59% of 2,744 patients undergoing repair of infrarenal…
Read MoreThoracic outlet syndrome: a survey of operative practice amongst vascular surgeons
Introduction Surgical management for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is undertaken in several surgical specialties including thoracic, plastic, vascular and neurosurgery.1 The reported incidence of TOS is approximately 1–3 per 100,000;2,3 however, despite the uncommon nature of this condition, it can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.4,5 Currently, there are no established guidelines…
Read MoreA case study project to explore physiotherapists’ experiences of using removable rigid dressings with patients post transtibial amputation in the UK
Introduction Traditionally, post transtibial amputation (TTA) a soft dressing consisting of elasticated bandage and padding would be applied in theatre and kept on for up to five days. In 1969, Berlemont et al challenged the use of soft dressings with a rigid plaster replacement.1 Soft dressings have since been associated with pressure sores and persistent…
Read MoreA feasibility survey to inform trial design investigating surgical site infection prevention in vascular surgery
Introduction Surgical site infection (SSI) is common following vascular surgery, complicating up to 40% of groin incisions and major lower limb amputations (MLLA).1–3 SSI significantly impairs quality of life due to associated pain, reduced mobility, depression and anxiety.4 SSI results in a fourfold increase in the risk of readmission and substantially increases healthcare costs, estimated…
Read MoreEffect of health literacy and socioeconomic deprivation on outcomes after lower limb surgical revascularisation for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia: the HeaLTHI study
Introduction Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and access services needed to make appropriate health decisions.1 Health literacy is a complex concept that is influenced by an individual’s educational attainment, race, age, deprivation and available healthcare services.2,3 There are a number of…
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