Original Research

Research priorities for vascular services: results of the UK Vascular James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Process

November 21, 2022

Background Vascular disease covers a broad spectrum of conditions and treatments, with over 40,000 vascular surgical procedures performed in England each year.1 It is one of the largest contributors to morbidity and mortality globally, accounting for 40% of deaths in the UK and estimated heath and care costs of £9 billion annually.2 Work conducted under…

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Research priorities for venous conditions: results of the UK Vascular James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Process

November 21, 2022

Background Venous disease encompasses a range of conditions that vary in severity and, if left unmanaged, can lead to serious conditions such as leg ulcers. This presents a huge economic burden to the NHS, estimated to be between £1bn and £3bn per year for ulcers alone.1–3 Venous disease can negatively impact on quality of life…

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The impact of the COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the clinical management of patients with vascular diseases: findings from Tier 3 of the COVID-19 Vascular sERvice (COVER) study

November 21, 2022

Introduction The COronaVIrus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in major changes in medical practice and clinical decision-making. Throughout the pandemic, the decision of whether, and how, to offer medical or surgical treatments was influenced by several factors such as COVID-19 positivity, patients’ risk of contracting COVID-19 whilst receiving treatment, resource rationing, staff shortages and government guidelines.1,2…

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Deprivation and supervised exercise for intermittent claudication

July 21, 2022

Introduction Intermittent claudication is ischaemic muscle pain resulting from impeded arterial blood flow that is precipitated by exercise and relieved by rest. It is thought to have a prevalence of up to 10%.1 National and international guidelines recommend supervised exercise, in conjunction with risk modification through lifestyle changes and best medical therapy, as first-line management…

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Research priorities in diabetic foot disease

July 4, 2022

Introduction Diabetic foot disease is among a number of serious complications of diabetes mellitus.1 In the UK there are over 7,000 diabetes-related lower limb amputations each year.2 Diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) precedes diabetes-related lower limb amputations in 80% of cases, with studies reporting a prevalence of DFUs as between 1%3 and 2%4 in people living…

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