Diagnoses and clinical features associated with high risk for unplanned readmission in vascular surgery. A cohort study.

Background: Readmission rate is an established health quality indicator. Preventable readmissions bear an unnecessary, high cost on the healthcare system. An analysis performed by the National Centre for Health Outcomes Development (NCHOD) has demonstrated an increasing trend in emergency readmissions in the UK.

Endovenous laser ablation: does standard above-knee great saphenous vein ablation provide optimum results in patients with both above- and below-knee reflux? A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Following above-knee (AK) great saphenous vein (GSV) endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) 40% to 50% patients have residual varicosities. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) assesses whether more extensive GSV ablation enhances their resolution and influences symptom improvement.

Method: Sixty-eight limbs (65 patients) with varicosities and above and below-knee GSV reflux were randomized to Group A: AK-EVLA (n = 23); Group B: EVLA mid-calf to groin (n = 23); and Group C: AK-EVLA, concomitant below-knee GSV foam sclerotherapy (n = 22).

Reperfusion syndrome: cellular mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction and potential therapeutic strategies.

Reperfusion injury is the paradoxical and complex phenomenon of exacerbation of cellular dysfunction and increase in cell death after the restoration of blood flow to previously ischemic tissues. It involves biochemical and cellular changes causing oxidant production and complement activation, which culminates in an inflammatory response, mediated by neutrophil and platelet cell interactions with the endothelium and among the cells themselves. The mounted inflammatory response has both local and systemic manifestations.

Minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins: a review of endovenous laser treatment and radiofrequency ablation.

Varicose veins are a common problem, conventionally treated by an operation. Within the last few years, minimally invasive techniques have been developed as alternatives to surgery in an attempt to reduce morbidity and improve recovery time. Radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation are the most promising of these new techniques.