An online patient completed Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire can help to guide primary care referrals.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility and reliability of an online patient completed Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) as a tool to guide specialist referral. METHODS: This was a prospective qualitative and quantitative study. One hundred and six patients completed an online questionnaire. Some 43 (40%) completed the AVVQ questionnaire at home and 63 (60%) did it immediately before their appointment. Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and CEAP grades were assigned by a consultant vascular surgeon. In 11 patients, the questionnaire was repeated at the time of surgery to assess reproducibility and bias. RESULTS: The AVVQ correlated with the specialist's VCSS scores (Spearman coefficient 0.795; p < 0.01) and similarly with CEAP grade (P < 0.01, ANOVA test). AVVQ was reproducible with close agreement (Spearman coefficient 0.89; p < 0.01) between both 1st AVVQ score of 21.61 (sd 10.26; range 6.12-40.14) and 2nd AVVQ score of 21.03 (sd 10.50 range 4.51-42.57). Patients' feedback about the online AVVQ was positive. CONCLUSIONS: An online questionnaire is acceptable to patients, correlates with clinical findings and using a threshold value could be used by healthcare Commissioners to guide varicose vein referrals.

Mid-term results of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in the young.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the mid-term outcome and secondary intervention rate following elective open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients aged 65 years and younger. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients aged 65 years and younger who had elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (AAA) between 1994 and 2012. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five patients under the age of 65 years (mean age: 61 years ± 4; 8 women) had elective abdominal aneurysm repair (97 EVAR and 68 open). The overall 30-day mortality rate was 3.7% (2.1% EVAR and 5.9% open). Forty per cent of patients had died at a median follow up of 77 months (interquartile range, 36-140). Most deaths were not related to aneurysm. There was no difference in the long-term mortality between the EVAR and open groups (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75-1.98, p = .43), but there was a trend of better outcomes with the use of commercially made endografts over open repair (HR = 2.9; 95% CI 0.9-10.0, p = .08) and custom-made endografts (HR = 3.1, 95% CI 0.9-10.3; p = .07). Eleven per cent of patients who had EVAR required a further procedure compared with 13% who had open repair. All but one of the re-interventions in the EVAR group was performed on patients who had custom-made endografts. CONCLUSIONS: Young patients with AAA have significant comorbidities and do not necessarily have long lifespans. In the less fit younger patients with AAA, the results with EVAR are comparable with fit patients who had open AAA repair. The management of fitter young patients with AAA remains controversial, but improving results with EVAR over time may increase the role of EVAR in this group.

Reprinted article "Neovascularisation is the principal cause of varicose vein recurrence: results of a randomised trial of stripping the long saphenous vein".

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether routine stripping of the long saphenous vein reduces recurrence after varicose vein surgery. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. All operations done by a consultant vascular surgeon. Two year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with primary long saphenous varicose veins (133 legs) were randomised. Two year follow-up in 81 patients (113 legs) with questionnaire, clinical examination and Duplex scanning. RESULTS: Some 89% remained satisfied with the results of their surgery, though 35% had recurrent veins on clinical examination. Recurrence was reduced from 43 to 25% in patients who had their long saphenous vein stripped (p = 0.04, χ(2)). Neovascularisation (serpentine tributaries arising from the ligated saphenofemoral junction) was detected in 52% of limbs and was the commonest cause of recurrence. Most tributaries were less than 3 mm in diameter and only caused recurrence if the long saphenous vein or a major thigh vein was intact. Twelve patients had tributaries greater than 3 mm diameter and all had recurrent varicose veins. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence is common after varicose vein surgery and in this study was caused principally by neovascularisation at the ligated saphenofemoral junction. Clinical recurrence is reduced by routine stripping of the long saphenous vein.

Laser and radiofrequency ablation study (LARA study): a randomised study comparing radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation (810 nm).

OBJECTIVES: There have been few randomised studies comparing Radiofrequency Ablation(RFA) with other endovenous techniques. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether RFA of the great saphenous vein (GSV) was associated with less pain and bruising than endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This trial had two cohorts--patients with bilateral GSV incompetence causing varicose veins (VV) and those with unilateral GSV VVs. In total 87 legs were treated in this study. Limbs in the bilateral group were treated with RFA in one leg and EVLA in the other. In the unilateral group limbs were randomised to RFA or EVLA. RFA was performed using the Celon RFiTT system (Teltow, Germany). EVLA was performed using an 810nm Laser (Biolitec AG, Germany). Phlebectomies were performed as required. Primary endpoints were patient assessed pain and bruising measured by visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary endpoints were patency assessed by duplex ultrasound at 6 weeks and 6 months. RESULTS: In the bilateral group, RFA resulted in significantly less pain than EVLA on days 2-11 postoperatively. RFA also resulted in significantly less bruising than EVLA on days 3-9. There were no significant differences in mean post operative pain, bruising and activity scores in the unilateral group. Both RFA and EVLA resulted in occlusion rates of 95% at 10 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: RFA was less painful for patients than EVLA and produced less bruising in the postoperative period with comparable success rates but there was no difference in the unilateral group.

The Immediate Management of the Patient with Rupture: Open Versus Endovascular repair (IMPROVE) aneurysm trial--ISRCTN 48334791 IMPROVE trialists.

BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews have suggested a survival advantage for patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), who are managed by endovascular repair. These reviews are based on single centre experiences of selected patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a policy of endovascular repair improves the survival of all patients with ruptured AAA. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial, IMPROVE (ISRCTN 48334791) will randomize patients with a clinical diagnosis of rAAA, made in hospital, either to immediate CT scan and endovascular repair whenever anatomically suitable (endovascular first), or to open repair, with CT scan being optional (normal care), The trial is set on a background of guidelines for emergency care, CT scanning and anaesthesia, which incorporate the protocol of permissive hypotension. Recruitment started in October 2009 and 600 patients are required to show a 14% survival benefit at 30 days (primary outcome) for the endovascular first policy. Recruitment will be from the UK and Europe. Secondary outcomes include 24h, in-hospital and 1 year survival, complications, major morbidities, costs and quality of life. DISCUSSION: This is a "real life" trial that will answer the fundamental relevant clinical dilemma, namely, do patients who present with ruptured AAA derive benefit from treatment in a system, which offers a preferential strategy of endovascular repair? The trial addresses whether the anticipated reduced mortality and morbidity associated with endovascular repair is offset by the relatively greater ease of access and speed to conventional surgery. This issue is pivotal to future patient care and provision of services.

Computerized angiographic analysis of the outcome of peripheral thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-directed peripheral thrombolysis is used increasingly for the management of acute limb ischemia. The comparison of different agents and techniques has proven difficult because of the variations in patient presentation, vessel involvement, and treatment methods. METHODS: A computerized database in which angiographic information is stored on computerized arterial maps has been designed to record details of thrombolysis. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients who presented with rest pain were recorded on the database, and their angiograms were analyzed. There were 123 native-vessel and 78 graft occlusions. Immediate success of lysis and 30-day outcome were not dependent on the site of the occlusion. If an underlying stenosis was revealed, limb salvage rates were significantly greater than when none was found (82% versus 58%, P < 0.01). The presence of at least 1 run-off vessel increased limb salvage rates by 30% (P < 0.001). If more than 5 arterial segments were occluded on the prelysis angiogram, limb salvage was worse than if there were fewer than 5 (57% versus 85%, P < 0.0001). For grafts, less than 5 segments of occlusion led to limb salvage rates of 90%, and more than 5 segments of occlusion led to rates of 72% (P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: This simple and user-friendly system of computerized angiographic analysis will enable detailed examination of thrombolytic practice and assist in the prediction of success.

Haemostasis during carpal tunnel release under local anaesthesia: a controlled comparison of a tourniquet and adrenaline infiltration.

A randomized controlled comparison of tourniquet and local adrenaline infiltration for control of bleeding was performed in patients undergoing bilateral carpal tunnel release under local anaesthesia. Visual analogue scores for intra-operative pain were substantially greater for tourniquet (mean score 4.7) than for adrenaline (2.2). Incomplete control of bleeding was responsible for longer operating time and for the surgeons' perception of slightly greater operative difficulty with the use of adrenaline. There were no complications attributable to the use of adrenaline. The use of adrenaline-containing local anaesthesia for carpal tunnel release avoids tourniquet pain and is preferred by patients.

NATALI--a model for National Computer Databases in the investigation of new therapeutic techniques.

New medical treatments are often introduced without the benefit of randomized trials. We describe how a national computerized database was produced, by the Thrombolysis Study Group, for monitoring one such new treatment: peripheral arterial thrombolysis. A novel method for transferring angiograms to computer generated arterial maps that can help in the classification and analysis of the outcome of thrombolysis is also described. Data provided by prospective collection from 14 hospitals within the UK was entered onto the database (Auditbase for Windows), to give contributing members a continual audit of their own results and complications that can be compared with that of the group as a whole. This system may be an appropriate model for other forms of multi-centre audit and the monitoring of new treatments.

Suitability of varicose veins for endovenous treatments.

The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and foam sclerotherapy (FS) for patients with symptomatic varicose veins (VVs). The study comprised 403 consecutive patients with symptomatic VVs. Data on 577 legs from 403 consecutive patients with symptomatic VVs were collected for the year 2006. Median patient age was 55 years (interquartile range 45-66), and 62% patients were women. A set of criteria based on duplex ultrasonography was used to select patients for each procedure. Great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux was present in 77% (446 of 577) of legs. Overall, 328 (73%) of the legs were suitable for at least one of the endovenous options. Of the 114 legs with recurrent GSV reflux disease, 83 (73%) were suitable to receive endovenous therapy. Patients with increasing age were less likely to be suitable for endovenous therapy (P = 0.03). Seventy-three percent of patients with VVs caused by GSV incompetence are suitable for endovenous therapy.

A modular aortouniiliac endovascular stent-graft is a useful device for the treatment of symptomatic and ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms: one-year results from a multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular repair (EVAR) of acute symptomatic and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) can be difficult without a large stock of suitable graft sizes. We report a prospective European multicentre study of a modular aortouniiliac stent-graft. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven centres, with elective EVAR experience, participated in the study. Sixty-five patients were enrolled from September 2002 - April 2005. Some 45 patients had rAAA and 20 were acutely symptomatic. Their median age was 74 (69-80.3) years, 49 (75%) were men. From a choice of 4 body and 4 limb sizes, stent-grafts were deployed under local or general anaesthesia. RESULTS: The endovascular delivery system was introduced and the aneurysm excluded from the circulation in a median of 40 (30-60) minutes from the first incision. The median operative duration was 150 (120-190) mins, blood loss 300 ml (200-800). 33 (51%) operations were performed by a vascular surgeon alone. There were a total of 4 (6%) peri-operative re-interventions, endovascular (n=1), open (n=2) and thrombectomy (n=1). The peri-operative mortality in the rupture group was 40% and 10% in the symptomatic group. CONCLUSIONS: Aortouniiliac stent-grafts provide rapid exclusion of rAAA. Suitably trained surgeons can do the operation without a radiologist's support. The mortality rate from rAAA treated with EVAR remains high.

A randomised trial of endovascular and open surgery for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm - results of a pilot study and lessons learned for future studies.

INTRODUCTION: EVAR has the potential to improve outcome after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Published series have been based upon selected populations. METHODS: An interim analysis of a single centre prospective randomised controlled trial comparing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with open aneurysm repair (OAR) in patients with ruptured AAA was performed. Patients who had a ruptured AAA and who were considered fit for open repair were randomised to EVAR or OAR after consent had been obtained. Those in the EVAR group had pre-operative spiral computed tomographic angiography (CTA). The primary endpoint was operative (30-day) mortality and secondary endpoints were moderate or severe operative complications, hospital stay and time between diagnosis and operation. A power study calculation required 100 patients to be recruited. RESULTS: Between September 2002 and December 2004, 103 patients were admitted with suspected ruptured AAA. Only 32 patients were recruited to the study. Of these, four patients died before receiving surgical treatment. On an intention to treat basis the 30-day mortality rate was 53% in the EVAR group and 53% in the OAR group. Moderate or severe operative complications occurred in 77% in the EVAR group and in 80% in the OAR group. Median total hospital stay in the EVAR group was 10 days (inter-quartile range 6-28) and 12 days (4-52) in the OAR group. Median time between diagnosis and operation was 75 minutes (64-126) in the EVAR group and 100 minutes (48-138) in the OAR group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the relative high operative mortality in the EVAR group, these preliminary results show that it is possible to recruit patients to a randomised trial of OAR and EVAR in patients with ruptured AAA. CT scanning does not delay treatment.

A prospective randomised controlled trial of VNUS closure versus surgery for the treatment of recurrent long saphenous varicose veins.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the outcome of endoluminal thermal ablation (VNUS) and traditional redo groin surgery (RGS) and long saphenous vein (LSV) stripping in patients with bilateral recurrent long saphenous varicose veins. METHODS: This was a randomised patient controlled double blind study. Sample size calculations required 16 patients. Their median age was 54 and 11 were women. The median CEAP class was 3. At operation one leg, chosen at random, was treated with VNUS and avulsions using intra-operative duplex control. The other leg was treated with traditional RGS, exposure of the femoral vein, stripping of the LSV and multiple avulsions. Post-operatively patients completed 10 cm visual analogue scales for pain and bruising. Digital Image analysis was used to objectively assess bruising. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired data. Results are expressed as median values (inter-quartile ranges). RESULTS: Time to perform VNUS was 25.5 (20.5-31.3) min compared with 40 (34.5-45.5) min it took for RGS (p=0.02). Pain score for VNUS was 1.7 (0.2-4), significantly lower than that for RGS 3.8 (0.6-6.3) (p=0.02). Bruise score for VNUS was 1.7 (0.4-4.4), and that for RGS was 5.2 (2.6-7) (p=0.03). All LSVs were sealed by VNUS at duplex follow up. Three legs in the RGS group and two in the VNUS group had a minor complication. CONCLUSIONS: VNUS caused less pain and bruising and was performed more quickly than RGS. VNUS should be considered the treatment of choice for recurrent long saphenous varicose veins.

Pasteurella multocida infection of a total hip arthroplasty. A case report.

The authors report a case history of a diabetic woman requiring revision hip arthroplasty of a Charnley total hip prosthesis that was infected with Pasteurella multocida. The infection of the loose prosthesis followed a cat bite to the same leg. Advice is given on the management of patients with infection following animal inoculations, and the subject of increased risk with a loose prosthesis is discussed.

Simulator sickness in an army simulator.

Simulator sickness describes a symptom reported by aircrew during or after flight simulator training. Some features are common to motion sickness but others, which are unusual during real flight, are believed to result specifically from the simulator environment. This paper describes the results of a questionnaire study examining the incidence and factors influencing simulator sickness in any army training system. Case histories are described and conclusions drawn with respect to health and safety, training and the effect on flight operations. One hundred and fifteen aircrew were registered in the questionnaire study. Data were collected from a history questionnaire, a post-sortie report and a delayed report form. Sixty-nine per cent of aircrew gave a history of symptoms in the simulator and 59.9 per cent experienced at least one symptom during the study period although few symptoms were rated as being other than slight. Only 3.6 per cent of subjects reported symptoms of disequilibrium. Comparative analysis of the results was performed after scoring symptoms to produce a sickness rating. This showed: association between simulator-induced sickness and greater flying experience; adaptation to the simulator environment; a history of sea sickness may predict susceptibility to simulator sickness; and no association of crew role and simulator sickness. Although some authorities believe simulator sickness to be a potential flight safety hazard there was little evidence from this study. Guidelines for the prevention of the problem are presented now that many factors have been identified. A general policy to 'ground' aircrew for a period following simulator training is not necessary, but severe cases should be assessed individually.

Enterolith ileus complicating jejunal diverticulosis.

Small intestinal obstruction caused by enteroliths originating in jejunal diverticula is rare. We present our experience with three elderly female patients who were successfully treated for this condition. The diagnosis, in all three cases, was made on laparotomy. Two patients underwent enterolithotomy while the third, who had a acutely inflamed jejunal diverticulum, had a jejunal resection.

The endovascular management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a controversial technique, which remains the subject of a number of prospective randomised trials. Although questions remain regarding its long-term durability objective evidence exists which demonstrates its reduced physiological impact compared with conventional open repair. If this technique could be used in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) it may reduce the high peri-operative mortality. A review of the literature identified a limited experience with EVAR of ruptured AAA. Only a small number of case series with selected patients exist. The majority of patients were haemodynamically stable. However, the selective use of aortic occlusion balloons allowed successful endovascular management in a small number of unstable cases. All investigators had access to an "off the shelf" endovascular stent-graft (EVG). Per-operative mortality ranged from 9 to 45% and may reflect increasing experience and patient selection. A number of patients who underwent successful EVAR were turned down for open repair. A number of important lessons have been learned from these studies but questions remain regarding patient suitability and staffing issues. If these difficulties can be surmounted then the technique may offer an alternative to open repair.