Original Research

Thromboprophylaxis strategies in patients undergoing endovenous thermal ablation: a UK survey

November 14, 2023

Introduction Background Superficial venous incompetence (SVI) is a prevalent medical condition that often leads to the development of symptomatic varicose veins, significantly impacting one’s quality of life.1 Moreover, SVI carries the potential for major complications including bleeding, ulceration and phlebitis.2 Endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) is now the recommended first-choice management for the treatment of symptomatic…

Effect of health literacy and socioeconomic deprivation on outcomes after lower limb surgical revascularisation for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia: the HeaLTHI study

November 8, 2023

Introduction Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and access services needed to make appropriate health decisions.1 Health literacy is a complex concept that is influenced by an individual’s educational attainment, race, age, deprivation and available healthcare services.2,3 There are a number of…

Spatio-temporal analysis of non-attendance for the National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and West Suffolk region between 2018 and 2022 and its link to socioeconomic deprivation

September 19, 2023

Introduction The National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program (NAAASP) offers a screening ultrasound scan to all men aged 65 in the UK by the National Health Service (NHS), with the aim of screening and surveillance of aortic aneurysms. The NAAASP was established after multiple randomised clinical trials showed a significant reduction in the mortality rate…

Perception and acceptability of open versus endovascular treatment of common femoral artery disease: barriers and facilitators for randomised controlled trials

July 21, 2023

Introduction The standard of care for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the common femoral artery (CFA) remains open surgical CFA endarterectomy (CFAE). Endovascular interventions, however, have become first-line therapies for atherosclerotic disease of other arterial segments. This is due to their minimally invasive nature, low rates of perioperative complications and patient preference.1–4 High rates…

Tissue sampling technique for diabetic toe amputations: a survey of current UK practice

July 17, 2023

Introduction The increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications has become a major public health issue.1,2,3 Foot-related complications affect 2–2.5% of people with diabetes, equating to a point prevalence of approximately 58,000 people in England alone.3 The management of diabetic foot disease is complex, involving input from a foot protection team…

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)

July 13, 2023

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%,…