Articles
Improving vascular referral coordination through live documentation in a hub-and-spoke system
Introduction Over the past two decades there has been a clear trend in the UK National Health Service (NHS) towards the centralisation of hospital services. In vascular surgery this model typically consists of a central hub for surgical interventions and multiple spoke sites that provide outpatient follow-up and some minor procedures, such as varicose vein…
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…
Surgical wound healing by secondary intention versus primary and delayed primary closure: systematic review protocol
Background Every year 4.4 million surgical procedures are undertaken under the National Health Service (NHS) in England.1 Incisions made during these procedures are ideally closed immediately after surgery, known as primary closure or healing by primary intent. In some circumstances the incision is left open and allowed to heal from the base upwards through granulation,…
