Original Research
Short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on vascular surgical training in Scotland: a trainee’s perspective
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption to clinical practice across the entire health service. Major changes to service delivery occurred across all specialties with the introduction of the national lockdown in the UK in March 2020. At the peak of the pandemic, overwhelming pressure caused staff shortages in all areas, reduced intensive care…
Defining priorities in vascular access research
Introduction The global prevalence of renal failure is rising, driven predominantly by diabetes.1 In the UK, 37.8% of the 68,111 patients on renal replacement therapy receive haemodialysis.2 Accordingly, there is a sustained increase in the need for vascular access and vascular access interventions. The Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology – Hemodialysis (SONG-HD) initiative is an international…
Research priorities for aortic diseases: results of the James Lind Alliance/Vascular Society GBI priority setting exercise
Background In the UK, aortic aneurysm affects approximately 4% or 80,000 men between the ages of 65 and 74 years.1 With a broad spectrum of rapidly evolving treatment options, advancing methods of management and investigation, many aspects of best clinical practice for aortic diseases are unknown.2 Aortic diseases are exemplified by aortic aneurysm, the most…
The first virtual ASPIRE 7 and 8 programs: preparing senior vascular trainees for FRCS and consultancy using a Post-Graduate Virtual Learning Environment
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had catastrophic effects in the UK. The death toll in the UK currently stands at over 170,000.1; The COvid-19 Vascular sERvice (COVER) study highlighted the significant impact of the pandemic on both elective and emergency vascular surgery provision, with the focus on minimising exposure and therefore cross-infection of COVID-19 and…
Research priorities for patients with peripheral arterial disease: a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership
Introduction Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic process whereby the arteries supplying the lower limbs become narrowed or occluded. PAD is an increasingly common disease, estimated to affect 237 million people, with an increase of 45% between 2000 and 2015.1,2 The PAD spectrum is wide and ranges from asymptomatic, whereby the patient is often…
Tenotomy for diabetic foot ulcers: a scoping survey of current practice
Introduction Diabetes mellitus is one of the fastest growing health crises of our time. The disease is endemic in the UK, currently affecting more than 4.9 million people.1 Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a common and difficult-to-treat complication of the disease. Over a quarter of patients with diabetes will develop a DFU. Even with current…