Original Research
Modern Practice of Diabetic Foot Sampling, Protocols, Pathways, Treatments and Techniques: an audit of specimen transport time from theatre to laboratory for diabetic foot tissue (MODAMP 2)
Introduction The number of amputations secondary to diabetic foot infections continues to rise in the UK, with more than 185 diabetes-related amputations being carried out per week.1 The 5-year mortality rates of patients with diabetic foot ulceration, minor or major lower limb amputations as a result of diabetic foot infections are 30.5%, 46.2% and 56.6%,…
Surgical and rehabilitation outcomes of patients undergoing through knee amputation compared with above knee amputation
Introduction Every year more than 5,000 patients undergo a major lower limb amputation in the UK.1-3 Major lower limb amputation is a pivotal life-changing event which can result in significant physical and psychological impacts, depending on the person’s functional ability pre-amputation, the cause of their amputation, their co-morbidities and the level of amputation.4,5 Below knee…
Popliteal sciatic nerve block in the endovascular management of critical limb ischaemia: a UK single-centre experience
Introduction When performing endovascular treatments in patients with critical limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI), providing safe and effective pain management can be challenging, particularly with the increasing length and complexity of such procedures. The patient often needs to lie flat for a prolonged period and needs to be still through critical parts of the procedure. In…
Ambulatory vascular clinics provide a safe and effective pathway for management of chronic limb threatening ischaemia
Introduction The management of chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) has changed rapidly over recent years, both due to the newer technologies in the realm of endovascular surgery1 and the current model of centralising vascular services.2 The outcomes of lower limb revascularisation, however, remain fairly poor, with a recent randomised controlled trial showing a 33–37% mortality…
Trends in lower limb deep vein thrombosis and associated deep venous procedures across the United Kingdom from 1998 to 2022
Introduction Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects as many as 35,000 people per annum in the UK.1 DVT causes substantial morbidity, with as many as 50% of those affected developing post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), characterised by lifelong leg pain, oedema, skin changes and ultimately venous ulceration.2,3 PTS results in reduced quality of life (QoL) and an overall…
Restructuring of the UK Vascular Services: does the hub versus spoke model affect patient mortality in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms?
Introduction Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are a frequently fatal vascular condition with a mortality rate of up to 80%.1 The Office for National Statistics (ONS) identified over 4,000 deaths from aortic aneurysm and dissection in England and Wales in 2019, with the highest prevalence in men over 65 years old.2 Current management involves either…
