International variations in AAA screening.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programmes reduce AAA-related mortality and are cost-effective. This study aims to assess the state and variability of AAA screening programmes worldwide. METHODS: Data were obtained from an international expert group convened at the 34th Charing Cross Symposium as well as government websites and published reports on screening programmes. RESULTS: Six countries are in the process of implementing national AAA screening programmes, with Italy still performing screening trials. There is wide variability in inclusion criteria between countries with the majority screening only men in their 65th year, however 3 programmes include women, 2 programmes only include patients with high cardiovascular risk, and 2 trials are also screening for hypertension and lower limb atherosclerosis. Surveillance intervals vary between screening programmes, with the most common regimen being to vary the surveillance interval depending upon aneurysm size, however the optimum surveillance interval in terms of decreasing mortality and cost effectiveness remains uncertain. DISCUSSION: International dissemination of current AAA screening programme outcomes is required to inform developing programmes about optimum screening intervals, benefits of surveillance of the subaneurysmal aorta, and screening for other cardiovascular disease.

Interpretation of patient-reported outcome measures for varicose vein surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Since 2009 the National Health Service (NHS) has been collecting patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following varicose vein interventions. The objective of this manuscript was to interrogate the one-year PROMs data with respect to varicose vein intervention and to discuss its potential impact on the provision of service. METHODS: We interrogated the one-year PROMs data with respect to potential impact on the provision of service. RESULTS: In total, 37,521 varicose vein operations were performed during the study period (1 April 2009-30 April 2010). A total of 15,808 preoperative questionnaires were completed and returned and 12,509 were linked to Hospital Episode Statistics episodes. A total of 8127 postoperative questionnaires were completed and linked to the preoperative questionnaires. For the EuroQuol (EQ) 5D questionnaire average preoperative score across the completed data-set was 0.773. The postoperative health gain was 0.094. Fifty-three percent of patients had improved postoperative scores, 33% reported no change, while 14% reported a reduction in their postoperative EQ-5D score. Pain/discomfort was the only domain where patients reported any negative symptoms; 72% (5390) reported pain/discomfort preoperatively and 37% (2804) postoperatively. In total, 62.6% (4685) reported no pain/discomfort following surgery A total of 7167 complete, linked and eligible data-sets were observed for the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ). The average preoperative score was 18.75. The average postoperative score was 10.76. This represented a reduction in symptom scores of one-half following intervention. The lowest improvements were witnessed in patients with the lowest preoperative scores (least severe symptoms). Additional postoperative questions highlighted the improvements conferred from varicose vein surgery with 90.3% of patients reporting an improvement in their problems from varicose veins following surgery and 85% describing their operative results as excellent, very good or good. CONCLUSION: These data have shown variable improvements following venous interventions. PROMs are likely to have significant implications for health care in the NHS on a number of levels including provision of funding and future planning of services.

The development of a VBHOM-based outcome model for lower limb amputation performed for critical ischaemia.

BACKGROUND: VBHOM (Vascular Biochemistry and Haematology Outcome Models) adopts the approach of using a minimum data set to model outcome and has been previously shown to be feasible after index arterial operations. This study attempts to model mortality following lower limb amputation for critical limb ischaemia using the VBHOM concept. METHODS: A binary logistic regression model of risk of mortality was built using National Vascular Database items that contained the complete data required by the model from 269 admissions for lower limb amputation. The subset of NVD data items used were urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, haemoglobin, white cell count, age on and mode of admission. This model was applied prospectively to a test set of data (n=269), which were not part of the original training set to develop the predictor equation. RESULTS: Outcome following lower limb amputation could be described accurately using the same model. The overall mean predicted risk of mortality was 32%, predicting 86 deaths. Actual number of deaths was 86 (chi(2)=8.05, 8 d.f., p=0.429; no evidence of lack of fit). The model demonstrated adequate discrimination (c-index=0.704). CONCLUSIONS: VBHOM provides a single unified model that allows good prediction of surgical mortality in this high risk group of individuals. It uses a small, simple and objective clinical data set that may also simplify comparative audit within vascular surgery.

The treatment of varicose veins.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past few years, there has been a move to less invasive endoluminal methods in the treatment of lower limb varicose veins combined with a renewed interest in sclerotherapy, with the recent addition of foam sclerotherapy. The development of these new techniques has led many to question some of the more conventional teaching on the treatment of varicose veins. This review examines these new treatments for lower limb varicose veins and the current evidence for their use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An extensive search of available electronic and paper-based databases was performed to identify studies relevant to the treatment of varicose veins with particular emphasis on those published within the last 10 years. These were analysed by both reviewers independently. RESULTS: There is no single method of treatment appropriate for all cases. Conventional surgery is safe and effective and is still widely practised. Whilst the new treatments may be popular with both surgeons and patients, it is important that they are carefully evaluated not only for their clinical benefits and complications when compared to existing treatments but also for their cost prior to their wider acceptance into clinical practice.

The Vanguard endovascular stent-graft: mid-term results from a single centre.

PURPOSE: Despite initial enthusiasm for endovascular aortic repair, few descriptions of longer-term follow-up of any endovascular device have been published. This paper represents the experience of a single centre with the Vanguard device over a 5-year period. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with a median age of 71 years (range 45-87 years) and aneurysm diameter of 59 mm (45-84 mm) received a bifurcated Vanguard stent-graft between December 1995 and July 1999. Follow-up was according to the Eurostar criteria (clinical assessment, plain film radiography and computed tomography) at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months and then annually thereafter. RESULTS: All primary stent deployments were successful. Median duration of surgery was 120 min (70-360 min). Median post-operative stay was 3 days (1-19 days) with a peri-operative mortality of 5.5%. In the follow-up period (median 40 months, range 6-64 months) there was one aneurysm associated death, and 14 deaths due to other causes. There have been three device migrations, 12 occluded graft limbs, four type II endoleaks and nine type III endoleaks. At 48 months, this has resulted in a survival rate of 67%, an endoleak free survival of 81% and intervention free survival of 59% (Kaplan-Meier). CONCLUSION: Medium term results with the Vanguard device appear to be at least equivalent to open repair with regard to morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, several delayed complications appear to be related to endograft limb distortion. Important lessons have been learnt in relation to the deployment of bifurcated endografts to reduce the incidence of secondary limb related problems.

Percutaneous ablation of an internal iliac aneurysm using tissue adhesive.

We report the percutaneous injection of tissue adhesive (Tisseal, Immuno, Vienna, Austria) to ablate a 12-cm internal iliac aneurysm. The complex history of this lesion included previous surgery for a ruptured aortic aneurysm, attempted repair of the internal iliac aneurysm, and several embolization procedures. These factors precluded further open repair or transcatheter techniques and dictated the choice of a more direct approach.

Elastic compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: One of the settings in which deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limb and pelvic veins occurs is prolonged immobilisation in hospital for various surgical and medical illnesses. Use of graduated compression stockings (GCS) in these patients has been proposed to decrease the risk of DVT. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to determine the magnitude of effectiveness of GCS in preventing DVT in various groups of hospitalised patients. SEARCH STRATEGY: The reviewers searched the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Disease Group trials register, MEDLINE, and EMBASE and hand searched Indexes Medicus. Various GCS manufacturing companies and the trialists in the ongoing trials were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCT's) involving:. Graduated compression stockings alone. Graduated compression stockings used on a background of any other DVT prophylactic method. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One reviewer extracted the data, assessed the quality of trials and analysed the results (SVA) this was cross-checked and authenticated by the other reviewer (TAL). MAIN RESULTS: A total of 16 RCTs were identified. GCS were applied on the day before surgery or on the day of surgery. GCS were worn up until discharge or until the patients were fully mobile. In the majority of the included studies, DVT was identified by radioactive I 125 uptake test. GCS alone. Nine RCTs were identified in this group. In the treatment group (GCS) of 624 patients, 81 developed DVT (13%) in comparison to the control group of 581 patients, where 154 (27%) had DVT, Peto's odds ratio 0.34 (95% confidence interval 0.25, 0.46) favouring treatment with GCS. GCS on a background of another prophylactic method. Seven RCTs were identified this group. In the treatment group (GCS + another method) of 501 patients, 10 (2%) developed DVT whereas in the control group of 505 patients, 74 (15%) developed DVT, Peto's odds ratio 0.24 (95% confidence interval 0.15, 0.37). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of these RCT's confirm that GCS are effective in diminishing the risk of DVT in hospitalised patients. Data examination also suggests, that GCS on a background of another method of prophylaxis is even more effective than GCS alone.

A survey of the current management of varicose veins by members of the Vascular Surgical Society.

The assessment and treatment of varicose veins by members of the Vascular Surgical Society of Great Britain and Ireland has been assessed by postal questionnaire. The response rate was 65%, of which 77% were general surgeons with a vascular interest, 21% were vascular surgeons only and 2% were non-vascular. Approximately four new patients with varicose veins are seen per surgeon per week in clinics with a median waiting time to be seen of 12 weeks. A median of three varicose vein operations per surgeon per week are undertaken with 10-15% of surgery being performed for recurrent disease. The commonest indications for surgery are symptomatic (97%) and complicated (98%) varicose veins, although 55% of surgeons also perform surgery for cosmesis. 65% surgeons routinely use hand-held Doppler in the assessment of varicose veins; of the other methods available, Duplex scanning was used as the first line investigation by 83%. Although over 60% of surgeons use sclerotherapy surgery is the preferred option for primary treatment for varicose veins associated with long or short saphenous reflux. 62% surgeons use deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in patients undergoing varicose veins surgery selectively, and 27% use it routinely.

Acute upper limb ischemia resulting from cleidocranial dysostosis.

A case is reported of a woman with an ischemic arm as a result of damage to the subclavian artery by the clavicular anomaly associated with cleidocranial dysostasis. Only one similar case has been reported previously.

Eye protection for the vascular surgeon.

Contamination occurring during vascular surgery was studied prospectively using a surgical mask incorporating a Splashguard visor. Over a 16-week period 78 vascular procedures were included; 44 were of < 2 h duration and 34 were of > or = 2 h. Contamination on both mask and visor from blood spots was recorded at the end of each procedure. Overall, 51 per cent of principal surgeons' visors were contaminated, with contamination of the mask itself in 32 per cent. When two surgeons were operating the contamination rate for the second was also high: 36 per cent for the visor and 42 per cent for the mask. Assistants had a contamination rate of 36 per cent for the visor and 13 per cent for the mask. The lowest rate of contamination occurred for the visor and mask of the scrub nurse, 10 and 4 per cent respectively. For emergency procedures the duration of operation had no influence on the frequency of contamination. However, for the principal surgeon elective operations of < 2 h duration were less likely to involve contamination than those of > or = 2 h (P < 0.035). Blood contamination of visors and masks is common in vascular surgery but rarely appreciated by the surgeon. Routine eye protection should be considered in vascular surgery, in particular for emergency and prolonged elective procedures.

Patterns of venous reflux in limbs with skin changes associated with chronic venous insufficiency.

The distribution of venous reflux in patients with skin changes associated with chronic venous insufficiency presenting to a specialist clinic was assessed. A total of 300 limbs in 153 patients were examined by Doppler ultrasonography with colour-flow imaging for the presence of venous reflux in superficial veins, deep veins and medial perforating veins, both above and below the knee. Ninety-eight limbs had skin changes, which included hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, atrophie blanche and ulceration. Of this group, 2 per cent had no evidence of venous reflux on duplex scanning, 39 per cent had deep vein incompetence, 57 per cent had superficial vein incompetence and 2 per cent had isolated medial perforating vein reflux. Of 25 limbs with ulceration, 13 had superficial and 12 deep vein reflux. A total of 202 legs, which included 20 normal control limbs, had no skin changes; 22.3 per cent of these had no venous reflux, 8.4 per cent had deep vein incompetence, 65.3 per cent had superficial incompetence and 4.0 per cent had isolated medial calf perforating vein incompetence.

Prevalence of lower limb ulceration in an urban health district.

Before establishing a community leg ulcer programme, a survey was performed to assess the incidence and prevalence of lower limb ulceration in the Newcastle Health District. The prevalence was 1.9 per 1000 in patients over the age of 45 years, and the annual incidence 3.5 per 1000 in the same age group. Recurrent ulcers represented 47 per cent of the total and 50 per cent of all ulcers had been present for > 6 months. District nurses spent 190 h per week in the community dressing leg ulcers, making a total number of 25,922 visits each year. In the treatment of leg ulcers 35 different types of dressing were used and only 14 per cent of ulcerated limbs were treated by appropriate compression. Of all patients with leg ulcers, 35 per cent had been seen by a hospital specialist but only 7 per cent had been examined by a vascular surgeon at any time.

Survivorship analysis of the uncemented porous-coated anatomic knee replacement.

Ninety-six patients who had a total of 108 replacements with an uncemented porous-coated anatomic knee prosthesis were followed for an average of sixty-four months (range, thirty-nine to ninety-three months). At the time of the most recent follow-up, twenty-one implants (19 per cent) had failed, all due to problems with the tibial component. A patellar component was not used, and no noteworthy patellar problems were encountered after the operation. There were no infections about the prostheses, and no femoral implant was revised. The most common cause of failure was collapse of the anteromedial part of the tibial plateau, which occurred in fourteen knees. The prosthesis loosened without collapse of bone in two knees, and five knees were revised because of gross wear of the polyethylene. When the time of failure was defined as the point at which revision of the prosthesis was recommended, the cumulative rate of survival was 84 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, +/- 7 per cent) at five years and 77 +/- 10 per cent at six years. When the time of failure was defined as the point at which the knee replacement was actually done, the five-year rate of survival was the same. No significant differences were demonstrated between groups that were stratified by age, sex, weight, or primary diagnosis. We therefore do not recommend the use of an uncemented porous-coated anatomic knee replacement of the design that was evaluated in this study.