Introduction Stroke is the third commonest cause of death and is a major cause of neurological disability. It is defined as an acute loss of focal cerebral function with symptoms exceeding 24 hours (or leading to death), with no apparent…
Introduction Fewer than 10% of patients with polytrauma have associated vascular injuries, but these injuries can cause significant morbidity and mortality. In most European countries, the majority of vascular trauma is caused by blunt (traffic accidents) and iatrogenic injuries. In…
Introduction The revised (2007) TASC Inter-Society Consensus defines acute leg ischaemia as any sudden decrease in limb perfusion causing a potential threat to limb viability. Symptoms of acute limb ischaemia (ALI) are usually present for less than 2 weeks. However,…
Introduction Revision of vascular reconstructions and interventions is frequently required beyond the first 6 weeks because of progressive atherosclerosis, graft occlusion , aneurysm formation or infection . Up to 40% of femorodistal bypass surgery grafts require re-intervention within 5 years.…
Introduction Amputation is defined as the partial or complete removal of a limb or extremity arising from surgery, underlying disease or trauma. Minor amputations are those performed in the foot and major amputations are those above the level of the…
Introduction Foot problems are one of the most common complications of diabetes, with 15% of patients developing a foot ulcer in their lifetime. They account for more hospital admissions than other complications of diabetes and are associated with high mortality,…
Introduction Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a process characterised by the formation of atheromatous plaque and calcification within the arteries of the lower extremity. Typically, this leads to luminal stenosis or occlusions of both large and small arteries. Patients who…
Introduction The number of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) is continuously increasing in the setting of an aging population and increasing global disease burden of diabetes. A recent meta-analysis of 34 studies estimated that over 202 million people worldwide…
Introduction Chronic lower limb ischaemia often referred to as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterised by impaired circulation in the lower limb extremities. The worldwide prevalence of PAD is over 200 million and this disease burden is expected to increase…
Introduction Atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease (PAD) involving one or more major vessels of the lower limb is common. The global spread of abdominal adiposity, its associated metabolic disorders and smoking has led to a significant increase in PAD, particularly in…