Original Research

Outcome of covered stents for severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD) in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia

March 14, 2023

Introduction The most recent iteration of the Inter-Society Consensus Document for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease from 2015 (Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus; TASC II) has suggested that all types of aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD) may be treated using either an endovascular or open approach, provided the clinical team has sufficient expertise in the given modality,…

The role of Braden scores in predicting outcomes following revascularisation for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia and their association with frailty

February 7, 2023

Introduction Peripheral artery disease (PAD) poses a substantial healthcare burden worldwide as the third leading cause of atherosclerotic vascular morbidity.1 Chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) induces rest pain and/or tissue loss and encompasses the end stage of PAD, developing in approximately 11% of PAD patients, and is associated with debilitating pain, poor quality of life, one-year…

Management of lower limb ischaemia using hybrid techniques: a single-centre experience

January 24, 2023

Introduction Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is recognised as an increasing global healthcare issue.1 Chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) resulting from PAD is the term adopted in the 2019 Global Vascular Guidelines. It is defined as ‘a broader and more heterogeneous group of patients with varying degrees of ischemia that may delay wound healing and increase amputation…

Frailty Assessment in UK Vascular Centres (FAVE): a survey to investigate data collection methods and impact on clinical practice

January 9, 2023

Introduction The importance of frailty as a clinical syndrome is gaining momentum in surgical specialties. Frailty is defined as ‘a state of vulnerability to a stressor event, triggering disproportionate changes in health status’.1 Increasing age may lead to the clinical condition of frailty.1 In the UK, three quarters of patients presenting with vascular disease are…

Bullying, undermining and harassment in vascular surgery training: a stubborn problem that damages the specialty

November 21, 2022

Introduction There has been growing recognition and concern related to workplace bullying, undermining and harassment (BUH) in the NHS. Although some overlap exists between BUH behaviours, they are well defined. Bullying is unwanted, offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour related to an abuse or misuse of power towards a more vulnerable peer. Undermining is a…

Research priorities for vascular services: results of the UK Vascular James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Process

November 21, 2022

Background Vascular disease covers a broad spectrum of conditions and treatments, with over 40,000 vascular surgical procedures performed in England each year.1 It is one of the largest contributors to morbidity and mortality globally, accounting for 40% of deaths in the UK and estimated heath and care costs of £9 billion annually.2 Work conducted under…