Outcomes for cervicomediastinal vascular trauma managed by a vascular subspecialistled vascular trauma service.

Background: The management of cervicomediastinal vascular trauma is challenging. We report on our experience with the condition in a newly established vascular trauma service unit, and compare the outcomes to those reported in our parent vascular surgery department.

Method: The details of patients with cervicomediastinal vascular injuries from January 2012 to June 2014 were retrieved for analysis from a prospective database.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: Are anatomical anomalies significant?

Background: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is one of the most poorly understood syndromes. Neurogenic TOS is found in 95% of cases. The described anatomical spaces transform and evolve into 'entrapment spaces'.

The influence of diabetes mellitus on early outcome following carotid endarterectomy.

Background: There are few studies that look at the influence of diabetes mellitus on early outcome following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Those available have reported conflicting results, with some showing poor outcome and others similar outcome to those without diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To assess the influence of diabetes mellitus on early outcome following CEA.

Comparison between superficial femoral artery stenting and bypass surgery in severe lower-limb ischaemia: a retrospective study.

Background: Symptomatic femoro-popliteal disease is treated by bypass surgery or angioplasty with or without stenting. The aim of this study was to compare the results of stenting and bypass surgery with regard to limb salvage in patients with severe leg ischaemia.

Methods: A total of 213 patients with femoro-popliteal disease presenting with severe claudication or critical limb ischaemia between January 2009 and December 2013 were evaluated; 118 patients (139 limbs) had stents placed and 95 patients (104 limbs) had bypass surgery.

Carotid artery aneurysms in patients with human immunodeficiency virus.

Objectives: Carotid artery aneurysms, although rare, are increasing in frequency due to their association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. Our institution serves a population with a high HIV prevalence and we wished to document our growing experience with this aneurysmal pathology in a setting of an ever-increasing burden of HIV disease.

Methods: Data on all patients managed at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban, South Africa, from July 2003 to December 2009 with HIV carotid aneurysms were extracted from a prospective vascular database and their case records were examined.