Assessment of internet-based information on statin therapy.

Aims: The use of statin therapy is deemed to be controversial by mainstream media. Patients increasingly source medical information from the internet, and the use of statins is no exception. This study aims to determine the quality and educational content of statin-focused information on the internet and YouTube.

High-Frequency Three-Dimensional Lumen Volume Ultrasound Is a Sensitive Method to Detect Early Aneurysmal Change in Elastase-Induced Murine Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of anterior-posterior diameter (APd) and three-dimensional lumen volume (3DLV) measurements of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in a classical murine AAA model. We also compared the magnitude of change in the aortic size detected with each method of assessment.

Methods:  Periadventitial application of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE AAA) or sham surgery was performed in two cohorts of mice.

Lipid Optimization in Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Aims: This review aims to explore the current guidance and issues surrounding lipid optimisation of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods: A narrative review of the global PAD guidance, specifically focusing on low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction methods including; 'treating to target', 'fire and forget' and LDL-C percentage reduction. Advanced literature searches were carried out in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases comparing most recent PAD lipid guidance.

Systematic review of interventions to increase the use of arteriovenous fistulae and grafts in incident haemodialysis patients.

Background: Patients who commence haemodialysis (HD) through arteriovenous fistulae and grafts (AVF/G) have improved survival compared to those who do so by venous lines.

Objectives: This systematic review aims to assimilate the evidence for any strategy which increases the proportion of HD patients starting dialysis through AVF/G.

Data Sources: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central and Scopus.

Morphometric and traditional frailty assessment in transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Objectives: Frailty is common amongst patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic relevance of newer objective and traditional measures of frailty after TAVI.

Methods: Consecutive patients were identified from the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust TAVI database.

Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery (MINS) in Vascular Surgical Patients: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

Objective: To determine the prognostic relevance, clinical characteristics, and 30-day outcomes associated with myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) in vascular surgical patients.

Background: MINS has been independently associated with 30-day mortality after noncardiac surgery. The characteristics and prognostic importance of MINS in vascular surgery patients are poorly described.

Primary care trust commissioning of varicose vein intervention--new guidance needed?

Objectives: In light of evidence of national variability in service commissioning of varicose vein intervention, our aim was to evaluate the current state of primary care trust commissioning for all forms of varicose vein intervention in England. We also sought to clarify the extent to which access to endovenous and surgical varicose vein services is being restricted.

Methods: Under the Freedom of Information Act (2001), a structured email survey was sent to 108 primary care trusts in England.

Persistent sciatic vessels, varicose veins, and lower limb hypertrophy: an unusual case or discrete clinical syndrome?

Persistent sciatic artery is a rare congenital anomaly with a high incidence rate of aneurysmal degeneration and risk of thromboembolization or rupture. Despite a number of recognized associations, the presence of coexistent venous anomalies is extremely rare. We present the case of a 27-year-old woman with atypical left-sided varicose veins and soft tissue hypertrophy.

Type II endoleaks: predictable, preventable, and sometimes treatable?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative coil embolization of lumbar and inferior mesenteric arteries on the incidence of type II endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Methods: The subjects were consecutive patients who underwent EVAR between January 1996 and January 2001. Patent aortic side branches were identified with preprocedural spiral computed tomographic scanning and calibrated angiography.