Carotid artery disease: knowing the numbers.

Ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack are of particular interest to the vascular surgeon as over one-third of all strokes are caused by thromboembolism from a stenotic carotid artery, making carotid artery stenosis the leading cause of stroke. If detected early, stenosis can be managed medically, surgically or endovascularly. However, treatment decisions depend on the timing of the transient ischaemic attack and the degree of stenosis, and must be balanced against procedural risk. This article discusses the evidence outlining the epidemiology, measurement and surgical management of carotid artery stenosis that inform national guidelines. Vascular and non-vascular trainees should understand these guidelines because of the potentially debilitating or fatal consequences of untreated carotid stenosis.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Vascular surgery is a relatively new surgical sub-speciality in the UK, with treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms forming a substantial proportion of the emergency and elective caseload. This article summarises the guidance from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence and the European Society for Vascular Surgery that outlines the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of abdominal aortic aneurysms. This is important for both vascular and non-vascular trainees to understand because of the critical nature of the disease, which can cause catastrophic haemorrhage, limb loss and mortality. However, if discovered in time, abdominal aortic aneurysms are a very treatable condition.