Original Research

A survey of early year consultant vascular surgeons in the UK to assess well-being, support and the availability of mentoring

May 29, 2025

Background The transition from resident doctor to consultant surgeon is regarded to be a period that can be extremely challenging for clinicians.1 Over the past decade the UK surgical workspace has become more testing due to a reduction in clinical experience as a result of both the European Working Time Directive and the ‘modernising medical…

A survey of contemporary acute lower limb ischaemia management

May 29, 2025

Introduction Acute limb ischaemia (ALI) occurs as a result of abrupt reduction in limb perfusion due to total or subtotal arterial occlusion by thomboembolism to the peripheral arteries within 14 days of the presentation. It is a vascular emergency with an incidence rate of 140 per million per annum and an average prevalence rate of…

An appraisal of global clinical practice guidelines in thromboprophylaxis for superficial endovenous treatment

April 23, 2025

Introduction Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are systematically developed recommendations that aim to assist clinicians and patients in making informed decisions for specific clinical situations by evaluating the benefits and risks of various treatment options based on comprehensive evidence.1–3 To standardise clinical practices and ensure effective and consistent patient care, CPGs must be of high quality…

What’s the denominator? An 8-year audit of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm outcomes, including rates of conservative and palliative management

February 28, 2025

Introduction In the UK, more than 4,900 deaths annually are attributed to aortic pathologies,1 with aneurysms and dissections being the leading causes, particularly in men over 65. Aneurysms, often undetectable until rupture, are at higher risk of rupturing if they exhibit pain, increase in size by more than 1 cm/year or have diameters larger than…

The Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland and Rouleaux Club membership survey on the role of Physician Associates in vascular surgery

February 28, 2025

Background Physicians Associates (PAs) were first introduced in the UK in 2003. They work under the supervision of doctors and undertake day-to-day tasks in general practice and hospital settings. They undertake a two-year postgraduate degree which focuses on the general aspects of adult medical care.1 PAs are not part of the medical or nursing staff…

Management of VTE following superficial endovenous treatment: a global survey

February 28, 2025

Introduction Superficial endovenous interventions have become the gold standard for treating symptomatic varicose veins, with multiple guidelines recommending these procedures where appropriate.1,2 However, venous thromboembolism (VTE) – encompassing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) – is a recognised complication of these procedures, with reported rates of up to 3.4%.3 The severity of VTE…