Original Research
Research priorities in diabetic foot disease
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…
Read MoreA survey of surgical site infection prevention practice in UK vascular surgery
Introduction Surgical site infections (SSI) are a common complication following vascular surgery, with significant detrimental effects for patients and healthcare providers.1 Reported SSI rates vary, but may be as high as 40%.2 This high rate is due to vascular surgical patients often being elderly, smokers and diabetics, frequently having multiple long-term conditions. Undesirable physical sequelae…
Read MoreResearch priorities for vascular wounds: results of the Vascular Society GBI/James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Process
Background In the UK, approximately 3.8 million people live with a wound at an estimated cost of £8.3 billion per year to the NHS, with this figure expected to rise in the future.1,2 Additionally, complications like delayed healing, infection and deterioration of other comorbidities are known to have a detrimental impact on patients’ quality of…
Read MoreOpen aortic surgical training with trainees as primary operator: a retrospective single-centre analysis
Introduction Over the last two decades the popularity of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (EVAR) has meant that vascular units have begun to express concerns regarding the ability of vascular trainees to acquire open aortic surgical skills. In the USA, EVAR usage has been reported to be >80% in some units.1,2 Trainees’ exposure to…
Read MoreSymptoms to surgery: factors associated with delays to carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic stenosis in an Irish tertiary vascular centre
Introduction Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for symptomatic stenosis is most effective when performed close to the index event.1,2 To reduce the risk of further neurological events, the best practice guidelines issued by several international vascular societies all recommend that CEA be performed within 14 days of the initial symptoms.3,4 However, meeting this target can prove difficult…
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