vascular surgery
A national UK-wide survey of tranexamic acid use in vascular surgery
Introduction Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic lysine analogue that inhibits fibrinolysis and reduces surgical bleeding by stabilising clot formation.1 Large randomised trials have demonstrated its efficacy in a range of clinical settings including trauma, postpartum haemorrhage and cardiac surgery, where TXA has been associated with reductions in mortality, critical bleeding and transfusion requirements.2-5 National…
Can pre-existing CT or MRI scans be used to improve efficiency and ascertainment in the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (NAAASP)?
Introduction Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are abnormal dilatations of the aorta below the diaphragm and before its bifurcation into the two common iliac arteries. The majority of AAAs are asymptomatic but, with time, the AAA grows and with it the chance of rupture, at which point it is often fatal.1 Early detection and monitoring improves…
Rare vascular complication of total hip arthroplasty: common femoral artery perforation diagnosed two months postoperatively
Abstract Background: Vascular injuries complicating total hip arthroplasty (THA) are uncommon, with reported incidences between 0.2% and 0.42%. When they occur, they can threaten both the patient’s life and functional prognosis of the limb. Case report: We describe a 38-year-old woman with tuberculous coxitis who underwent THA. Two months later she presented with acute back…
Validation of the Clinical Frailty Scale in vascular surgery: a protocol
Introduction As life expectancy increases, so does the prevalence of older patients and age-related health conditions. Frailty is one such condition which has become increasingly recognised as a clinical syndrome, distinct from chronological age, disability and comorbidity.1–3 A complex, dynamic and multifactorial syndrome, frailty may be theoretically defined as ‘a state of increased vulnerability, resulting…
The Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland and Rouleaux Club membership survey on the role of Physician Associates in vascular surgery
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…
