Impact of Tourniquet Use in Major Lower Limb Amputation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: Intra-operative blood loss is a significant complication of major lower limb amputation (MLLA). This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effect of tourniquet use on patients undergoing amputation.

Data Sources: Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to April 2024.

The incidence of surgical site infection following major lower limb amputation: A systematic review.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) following major lower limb amputation (MLLA) in vascular patients are a major source of morbidity. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the incidence of SSI following MLLA in vascular patients. This review was prospectively registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023460645).

Rehabilitation experiences following major lower limb amputation due to complications of vascular disease: a UK qualitative study.

Purpose: Rehabilitation experiences of lower limb amputees with poorer physical health have not been fully explored. This study aimed to qualitatively explore experiences of rehabilitation amongst patients who had recently undergone amputation due to complications of vascular disease.

Methods: Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 14 patients participating in the PLACEMENT randomised controlled feasibility trial (ISRCTN: 85710690; EudraCT: 2016-003544-37), which investigated the effectiveness of using a perineural catheter for postoperative pain relief following major lower limb amputation.

Patient Perceptions of Surveillance of Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in the Over 85s.

Background: Recently instigated local practice for patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) involves contacting all patients, aged ≥85 years, to discuss with them the advantages and disadvantages of removal from surveillance. However, reasons why patients opt to remain on, or come off, surveillance, are currently unknown. The present study's objective is to explore patient perception of surveillance decision-making.

Clinical Effects of Tourniquet Use for Nontraumatic Major Lower Limb Amputation: A Two-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: To investigate the effect of tourniquet use on outcomes after major lower limb amputation (MLLA) due to peripheral arterial disease or complications from diabetes mellitus.

Methods: In this 2-center retrospective observational study, vascular patients who underwent MLLA between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020 at 2 UK hospitals were identified using operating theater databases. Hospital databases were used to access medical records, operation notes, and laboratory reports.

Telemedicine in Vascular Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in seismic changes to healthcare service delivery. The use of telemedicine was widely adopted during the pandemic, although its value in the safe care of vascular patients is unknown.

Methods: A systematic review was undertaken to identify studies that described outcomes or patient/clinician views of telemedicine (telephone or video) services in vascular surgery during or after the pandemic.

Controlling the controls: what is negative pressure wound therapy compared to in clinical trials?

Aim: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common following colorectal operations. Clinical trials suggest that closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) may reduce SSIs compared to a 'standard of care' group. However, wound management in the standard of care group may vary.

Antithrombotic Therapy for Aortic Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: The role of antithrombotic therapy in the management of aortic and peripheral aneurysms is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of antithrombotics on clinical outcomes for aortic and peripheral aneurysms.

Methods: Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched.

Impact of closed-incision negative pressure wound dressings on surgical site infection following groin incisions in vascular surgery; a single-centre experience.

Objectives: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication in vascular surgery, and is associated with increased patient morbidity, readmission and reintervention. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy (CiNPWT) upon rate of SSI and length of hospital stay.

Methods: This study was reported in line with the STROBE guidelines.

Patient Satisfaction with Tele- and Video-Consultation in the COVID-19 Era - A Survey of Vascular Surgical Patients.

Background: The COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in the increasing use of telemedicine due to the advantages of avoiding viral transmission. Evidence suggests that telemedicine, for certain conditions, may be as effective as face-to-face consultations; however, there is no research to date regarding vascular patients' acceptance or satisfaction with telemedicine during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A patient satisfaction interview was designed to survey three aspects of the service: patient acceptability of teleconsultations as a replacement to physical clinics; their views of teleconsultation during the pandemic; and the future role of teleconsultations postpandemic.

Editor's Choice - Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Randomised Controlled Trials Supporting Implantable Devices for Vascular and Endovascular Procedures.

Objective: To identify implantable devices currently used for vascular and endovascular procedures, to ascertain how many have randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence available, and to assess the quality of that evidence.

Data Sources: MEDLINE, Embase, DARE, PROSPERO, clinical trial registries, and Cochrane databases.

Review Methods: A list of current devices used in both vascular and endovascular procedures was generated by searching conference proceedings, manufacturer catalogues, and websites.

Initial Reduction in Ulcer Size As a Prognostic Indicator for Complete Wound Healing: A Systematic Review of Diabetic Foot and Venous Leg Ulcers.

Percent area reduction (PAR) is commonly reported in trials including diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs). It is unclear how well PAR performs as a surrogate marker for complete wound closure. This review aimed to summarize all available evidence evaluating PAR as a predictor of complete DFU and VLU healing.