Publications
137 results found
Nimura M, Lane T, Rawashdeh M, et al., 2023, Study protocol for Neuromuscular Stimulation for Rehabilitation after general and vascular surgery - a pilot randomised clinical study, BMJ Open, Vol: 13, ISSN: 2044-6055
Objectives To investigate the acceptability and safety of neuromuscular stimulation (NMES) as an adjunct for rehabilitation after vascular and general surgery.Methods and analysis Prospective, single-centre, single-blind, parallel group, randomised controlled study. This study will be conducted in a single-centre, secondary care setting (National Healthcare Service Hospital) in the UK. All patients aged over 18 years undergoing vascular or general surgery with Rockwood Frailty Score of 3 or above on admission. Exclusion is inability or unwillingness to participate in trial, implanted electrical device, pregnancy and acute deep vein thrombosis. Target number of recruitment is 100. Participants will be randomly assigned to active NMES group (group A) or placebo NMES group (group B) prior to surgery. Participants will be blinded and asked to use the NMES device, 1–6 sessions daily (30 min per session) after surgery in addition to standard National Health Service rehabilitation care until discharge. The primary study outcomes are acceptability and safety of NMES assessed by the device satisfaction questionnaire on discharge and adverse events recorded during hospital stay. The secondary outcomes are the postoperative recovery and cost-effectiveness compared between two groups, assessed by various activity tests, mobility and independence measures and questionnaires.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approvals were provided by London-Harrow Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the Health Research Authority (HRA), Ref: 21/PR/0250. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.Trial registration number NCT04784962.
Judges D, Liu C, Onida S, et al., 2023, Left common iliac vein diameter in patients referred for lower limb venous duplex ultrasound, VASCULAR, ISSN: 1708-5381
Benson RA, VERN CSC, 2022, Documenting the Recovery of Vascular Services in European Centres Following the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic Peak: Results from a Multicentre Collaborative Study, EJVES VASCULAR FORUM, Vol: 57, Pages: 28-34, ISSN: 2666-688X
Smith S, Normahani P, Lane T, et al., 2022, Prevention and management strategies for diabetic neuropathy, Life, Vol: 12, Pages: 1185-1185, ISSN: 2075-1729
Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes that is becoming an increasing concern as the prevalence of diabetes rapidly rises. There are several types of DN, but the most prevalent and studied type is distal symmetrical polyneuropathy, which is the focus of this review and is simply referred to as DN. It can lead to a wide range of sensorimotor and psychosocial symptoms and is a major risk factor for diabetic foot ulceration and Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy, which are associated with high rates of lower limb amputation and mortality. The prevention and management of DN are thus critical, and clinical guidelines recommend several strategies for these based on the best available evidence. This article aims to provide a narrative review of DN prevention and management strategies by discussing these guidelines and the evidence that supports them. First, the epidemiology and diverse clinical manifestations of DN are summarized. Then, prevention strategies such as glycemic control, lifestyle modifications and footcare are discussed, as well as the importance of early diagnosis. Finally, neuropathic pain management strategies and promising novel therapies under investigation such as neuromodulation devices and nutraceuticals are reviewed.
Smith S, Normahani P, Lane T, et al., 2022, Pathogenesis of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy in diabetes, Life, Vol: 12, Pages: 1-16, ISSN: 2075-1729
Distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a serious complication of diabetes associated with significant disability and mortality. Although more than 50% of people with diabetes develop DSPN, its pathogenesis is still relatively unknown. This lack of understanding has limited the development of novel disease-modifying therapies and left the reasons for failed therapies uncertain, which is critical given that current management strategies often fail to achieve long-term efficacy. In this article, the pathogenesis of DSPN is reviewed, covering pathogenic changes in the peripheral nervous system, microvasculature and central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, the successes and limitations of current therapies are discussed, and potential therapeutic targets are proposed. Recent findings on its pathogenesis have called the definition of DSPN into question and transformed the disease model, paving the way for new research prospects.
Bootun R, Onida S, Lane T, et al., 2022, Varicose veins, Surgery (Oxford), Vol: 40, Pages: 411-419, ISSN: 0263-9319
Varicose veins are common and have a negative impact on people's quality of life. Treatment has been shown to improve the quality of life in those affected and is endorsed by international clinical practice guidelines. In the UK, traditional techniques of saphenofemoral and saphenopopliteal junctional ligation with or without stripping have been largely superseded by minimally invasive day surgery techniques under local anaesthesia. The most performed procedures include radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation, both of which may be associated with procedural discomfort and complications relating to the use of thermal energy. More recently, novel techniques, including mechanochemical ablation and cyanoacrylate glue, have entered the clinical arena with promising results. However, newer complications are also emerging (especially for cyanoacrylate). Saphenous sparing techniques also exist, selectively disconnecting refluxing points between the superficial and deep venous systems (CHIVA) or by removing incompetent tributaries via selective phlebectomy (ASVAL). This article discusses the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of varicose veins, including the latest endovascular and targeted open surgical techniques.
Belramman A, Bootun R, Tang TY, et al., 2022, Pain Outcomes Following Mechanochemical Ablation vs Cyanoacrylate Adhesive for the Treatment of Primary Truncal Saphenous Vein Incompetence The MOCCA Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA SURGERY, Vol: 157, Pages: 395-404, ISSN: 2168-6254
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Bickerton S, Awopetu A, Abood A, et al., 2022, Atraumatic Clostridium septicum myonecrosis presenting as upper limb ischaemia in a patient with undiagnosed bowel cancer, ANNALS OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND, Vol: 104, Pages: E95-E97, ISSN: 0035-8843
Epstein D, Bootun R, Diop M, et al., 2022, Cost-effectiveness analysis of current varicose veins treatments, Journal of vascular surgery. Venous and lymphatic disorders, Vol: 10, Pages: 504-513.e7, ISSN: 2213-3348
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of technologies for treatment of varicose veins over 5 years - conservative care (CONS), surgery (HL/S), ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) and cyanoacrylate glue occlusion (CAE). METHODS: A systematic review was updated and used to construct a Markov decision model. Outcomes were re-intervention on the truncal vein, re-treatment of residual varicosities and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and costs over five years. RESULTS: UGFS has a significantly greater re-intervention rate than other procedures, while there is no significant difference between the other procedures. The cost per QALY of EVLA versus UGFS in our base-case model is £16966 ($23700) per QALY, which is considered cost-effective in the UK. RFA, MOCA and CAE have greater procedure costs than EVLA with no evidence of greater benefit for patients. CONCLUSIONS: EVLA is the most cost-effective therapeutic option, with RFA a close second, in adult patients requiring treatment in the upper leg for incompetence of the GSV. MOCA, UGFS, CAE, CONS and HL/S are not cost-effective at current prices in the UK National Health Service. MOCA and CAE appear promising but further evidence on effectiveness, re-interventions and health-related quality of life is needed, as well as how cost-effectiveness may vary across settings and reimbursement systems.
Tan K, Salim S, Machin M, et al., 2022, Abdominal aortic aneurysm clinical practice guidelines: a methodological assessment using the AGREE II instrument, BMJ Open, Vol: 12, Pages: 1-9, ISSN: 2044-6055
Objectives: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) provide evidence-based information on patient management; however, methodological differences exist in the development of CPGs. This study examines the methodological quality of AAA CPGs using a validated assessment tool. Design: Medline, EMBASE and online CPG databases were searched from 1946 to 31st October 2021. Full-text, English language, evidence-based AAA CPGs were included. Consensus-based CPGs, summaries of CPGs or CPGs which were only available upon purchase were excluded. Five reviewers assessed their quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. An overall guideline assessment scaled score of ≥80% was considered as the threshold to recommend CPG use in clinical practice.Results: Seven CPGs were identified. Scores showed good inter-reviewer reliability (ICC 0.943, 95% CI 0.915-0.964). On average, CPGs performed adequately with mean scaled scores of over 50% in all domains. However, between CPGs, significant methodological heterogeneity was observed in all domains. Four CPGs scored ≥80% (European Society of Cardiology, the Society of Vascular Surgery, the European Society of Vascular Surgery, and the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence), supporting their use in clinical practice.Conclusions: Four CPGs were considered of adequate methodological quality to recommend their use in clinical practice; nonetheless, these still showed areas for improvement, potentially through performing economic analysis and trial application of recommendations. A structured approach employing validated CPG creation tools should be used to improve rigour of AAA CPGs. Future work should also evaluate recommendation accuracy using validated appraisal tools.
Belramman A, Bootun R, Tjun Yip T, et al., 2022, Pain outcomes in a multicentre randomised clinical trial comparing MechanOChemical ablation versus CyanoAcrylate Adhesive for the treatment of primary truncal saphenous veins incompetence A Randomised Clinical Trial, JAMA Surgery, ISSN: 2168-6254
Belramman A, Bootun R, Tang TY, et al., 2022, Pain outcomes in a multicentre randomised clinical trial comparing MechanOChemical ablation versus CyanoAcrylate Adhesive for the treatment of primary truncal saphenous veins incompetence A Randomised Clinical Trial, JAMA Surgery, ISSN: 2168-6254
Importance Endovenous thermal ablations (ETAs) are recommended as first-line treatment of truncal vein reflux and have a short recovery time and are cost-effective. However, ETAs are associated with discomfort during tumescent anesthesia infiltration. To minimise discomfort, non-thermal, non tumescent ablation techniques, in the form of mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) and cyanoacrylate adhesive injection (CAE), have emerged. ObjectiveTo assess pain score immediately after truncal ablation using 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale and 10-point number scale. Design, Setting, and Participants The MOCCA study was a prospective, multicentre, randomised clinical trial, conducted at three sites between November 2017 and January 2020. There were 392 participants screened, 225 were excluded, and 167 participants underwent randomisation. Four participants did not receive allocated intervention and were included in the intention to treat analysis. Patients were reviewed at 2 weeks, and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Interventions Patients with primary truncal vein incompetence were randomised to receive either MOCA or CAE Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcome measure was pain score immediately after completing truncal ablation using 100- mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and 10-point number scale. Secondary outcome measures included degree of ecchymosis; occlusion rates, clinical severity, generic and disease specific quality of life (QoL) scores. Results 60% were women with mean age 56 years. 92.8% of truncal veins treated were GSV. Demographic data and baseline status was comparable. 47% underwent adjunctive treatment ofvaricosities. Overall median maximum pain score after truncal treatment was 23mm on VAS and 3 5 on number scale. There was no difference in pain measured by VAS (MOCA 24mm vs CAE 20mm, p = .230) or number scale (MOCA 4, vs CAE 3, p = .179). Both groups demonstrated significant and comparable improvement in clinical severity, generic and disease specific QoL scores, and c
Bootun R, Belramman A, Bolton-Saghdaoui L, et al., 2021, Randomized controlled trial of compression after endovenous thermal ablation of varicose veins (COMETA Trial), Journal of Vascular Surgery, Vol: 9, Pages: 103-104, ISSN: 0741-5214
Gwilym B, Maheswaran R, Edwards A, et al., 2021, Income deprivation and groin wound surgical site infection: cross-sectional analysis from the Groin wound Infection after Vascular Exposure (GIVE) multicentre cohort study, Surgical Infections, ISSN: 1096-2964
Gwilym BL, Ambler GK, Saratzis A, et al., 2021, Groin Wound Infection after Vascular Exposure (GIVE) Risk Prediction Models: Development, Internal Validation, and Comparison with Existing Risk Prediction Models Identified in a Systematic Literature Review, European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, ISSN: 1078-5884
Ravikumar R, Lane TRA, Babber A, et al., 2021, A randomised controlled trial of neuromuscular stimulation in non-operative venous disease improves clinical and symptomatic status, Phlebology, Vol: 36, Pages: 290-302, ISSN: 0268-3555
BackgroundThis randomised controlled trial investigates the dosing effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD).MethodsSeventy-six patients with CEAP C3-C5 were randomised to Group A (no NMES), B (30 minutes of NMES daily) or C (60 minutes of NMES daily). Primary outcome was percentage change in Femoral Vein Time Averaged Mean Velocity (TAMV) at 6 weeks. Clinical severity scores, disease-specific and generic quality of life (QoL) were assessed.ResultsSeventy-six patients were recruited - mean age 60.8 (SD14.4) and 47:29 male. Six patients lost to follow-up. Percentage change in TAMV (p<0.001) was significantly increased in Groups B and C. Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire Score (-6.9, p=0.029) and Venous Clinical Severity Score (-4, p-0.003) improved in Group C, and worsened in Group A (+1, p=0.025).ConclusionsDaily NMES usage increases flow parameters, with twice daily usage improving QoL and clinical severity at 6 weeks in CVD patients.
Staniszewska A, Gimzewska M, Onida S, et al., 2021, Lower extremity arterial interventions in England, ANNALS OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND, Vol: 103, Pages: 360-366, ISSN: 0035-8843
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Onida S, Heatley F, Peerbux S, et al., 2021, Study protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled trial to compare the use of the decellularised dermis allograft in addition to standard care versus standard care alone for the treatment of venous leg ulceration: DAVE trial, BMJ Open, Vol: 11, ISSN: 2044-6055
Introduction Venous leg ulceration (VLU), the most common type of chronic ulcer, can be difficult to heal and is a major cause of morbidity and reduced quality of life. Although compression bandaging is the principal treatment, it is time-consuming and bandage application requires specific training. There is evidence that intervention on superficial venous incompetence can help ulcer healing and recurrence, but this is not accessible to all patients. Hence, new treatments are required to address these chronic wounds. One possible adjuvant treatment for VLU is human decellularised dermis (DCD), a type of skin graft derived from skin from deceased tissue donors. Although DCD has the potential to promote ulcer healing, there is a paucity of data for its use in patients with VLU.Methods and analysis This is a multicentre, parallel group, pragmatic randomised controlled trial. One hundred and ninety-six patients with VLU will be randomly assigned to receive either the DCD allograft in addition to standard care or standard care alone. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants with a healed index ulcer at 12 weeks post-randomisation in each treatment arm. Secondary outcomes include the time to index ulcer healing and the proportion of participants with a healed index ulcer at 12 months. Changes in quality of life scores and cost-effectiveness will also be assessed. All analyses will be carried out on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis. A mixed-effects, logistic regression on the outcome of the proportion of those with the index ulcer healed at 12 weeks will be performed. Secondary outcomes will be assessed using various statistical models appropriate to the distribution and nature of these outcomes.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was granted by the Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee (19/LO/1271). Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.
Groin wound Infection after Vascular Exposure Study Group, Shalhoub J, 2021, Groin wound infection after vascular exposure (GIVE) multicentre cohort study, International Wound Journal, Vol: 18, Pages: 164-175, ISSN: 1742-4801
Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) of groin wounds are a common and potentially preventable cause of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs in vascular surgery. Our aim was to define the contemporaneous rate of groin SSIs, determine clinical sequelae, and identify risk factors for SSI.Method:An international multicentre prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing groin incision for femoral vessel access in vascular surgery was undertaken over 3 months, follow up was 90 days. The primary outcome was incidence of groin wound SSI.Results:1337 groin incisions (1039 patients) from 37 centres were included. 115 groin incisions (8.6%) developed SSI, of which 62 (4.6%) were superficial. Patients who developed an SSI had a significantly longer length of hospital stay (6 vs 5 days, p=0.005), a significantly higher rate of post-operative acute kidney injury (19.6% vs 11.7%, p=0.018), with no significant difference in 90-day mortality. Female sex, Body Mass Index≥30kg/m2, ischaemic heart disease, aqueous betadine skin preparation, bypass/patch use (vein, xenograft or prosthetic) and increased operative time were independent predictors of SSI. Conclusion:Groin infections which are clinically apparent to the treating vascular unit are frequent and their development carries significant clinical sequelae. Risk factors include modifiable and non-modifiable variables.
Bootun R, Belramman A, Bolton-Saghdaoui L, et al., 2021, Randomized controlled trial of compression after endovenous thermal ablation of varicose veins (COMETA Trial), Annals of Surgery, Vol: 273, Pages: 232-239, ISSN: 0003-4932
Background: The 21st century has witnessed a rise in the use of endovenousthermal ablation. Being highly clinically and cost-effective and improving thequality of life of patients, they are now considered to be the ‘‘gold-standard’’treatment for varicose veins. Post-intervention management, especially interms of postoperative compression, however, remains unclear. As a result, arandomized study was undertaken to investigate the effects of wearingcompression stockings after varicose vein treatment.Method: Patients with saphenous vein reflux undergoing treatment withendothermal ablation (with or without concurrent phlebectomies) wererandomized to receive either 7 days of compression stockings or no stockings.The primary outcome measure for this study was the pain score over the first10 postoperative days. The pain scores, clinical score, time to return to normalactivities, and ecchymosis were assessed. Patients were followed-up at2 weeks and 6 months post-ablation.Results: In total, 206 patients were randomized, 49% of them to thecompression group. The mean age was 49.7 (16) years and approximately51% of the population was male. The median pain score in the compressiongroup using a visual analog scale was significantly lower on days 2–5,compared to the no compression group. Those having concurrent phlebectomies and compression stockings also had significantly better pain scores ondays 1–3, day 5, and day 7. Improvement in the median venous clinicalseverity score was noted at 6-month follow-up, but this was not significant. Nodifference in the generic- or disease-specific quality of life was observed andthe time to return to activities was similar. There were no differences in thedegree of ecchymosis between the 2 groups and both groups had similarocclusion rates.Conclusions: These results indicate that wearing compression stockings afterendothermal ablation is advantageous in the first few days after treatment andis especially benef
Tan K, Salim S, Beshr M, et al., 2020, A methodological assessment of lymphoedema clinical practice guidelines, Journal of vascular surgery. Venous and lymphatic disorders, Vol: 8, Pages: 1111-1118.e3, ISSN: 2213-3348
ObjectivesTo determine the methodological quality of current lymphoedema clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to assist healthcare professionals in selecting accessible, high-quality guidance and to identify areas for improvement in future CPGs.MethodsMedline, EMBASE, online CPG databases and reference lists of included guidelines were searched up to 31st January 2020. Full-text CPGs reporting on evidence-based recommendations in lymphoedema diagnosis and/or management in English were included. CPGs based on expert consensus, CPG summaries or CPGs that were not freely available were excluded. Two reviewers identified eligible CPGs, extracted data and assessed their quality independently using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. Significant scoring discrepancies were discussed with a third reviewer. An overall scaled quality score of ≥80% was the threshold to recommend guideline use.ResultsSix relevant CPGs were identified. One was subsequently excluded as its full-text could not be obtained. Overall, there was very good inter-reviewer reliability of scores with ICC of 0.952 (95% CI, 0.921-0.974). No single CPG scored highest in all domains, with methodological heterogeneity observed. Poor performance was noted in domains 5 (mean scaled score 23.8±17.1%) and 6 (22.9±26.7%). No CPG achieved an overall scaled quality score of ≥80%, with the top CPG scoring 79.2%.ConclusionsAccording to the defined threshold, no lymphoedema CPG was considered adequate for use in clinical practice. All current lymphoedema CPGs have areas for improvement with elements of methodological quality lacking, particularly with respect to rigour of development. A structured approach, guided by the use of CPG creation tools and checklists such as the AGREE II instrument, should help CPG development groups in improving the quality of future CPGs; this is of particular importance in a complex, multidisciplinary condition such as lympho
Staniszewska A, Onida S, Lane T, et al., 2020, The good, bad and the ugly of the acute venous thrombosis: thrombus removal with adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis trial from the viewpoint of clinicians, Journal of vascular surgery. Venous and lymphatic disorders, Vol: 8, Pages: 912-918, ISSN: 2213-3348
OBJECTIVE: Acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) can be complicated by post-thrombotic syndrome, which is associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. The Acute Venous Thrombosis: Thrombus Removal with Adjunctive Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (ATTRACT) was the largest and most controversial randomized controlled trial evaluating the use of pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome after acute DVT. This study aimed to evaluate clinicians' opinion on the ATTRACT trial and its impact on clinical practice. METHODS: An online survey consisting of 10 core multiple choice items and a maximum of five follow-up open-ended questions was delivered to vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, hematologists, and interventional cardiologists affiliated with 10 international societies between April 23 and July 1, 2019. Clinicians' views on the main limitations of the ATTRACT trial, its impact on patient selection for thrombolysis and the need for a new trial were evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 15,650 contacted clinicians, 451 (3%) completed the survey, with 74% vascular surgeons, 24% interventional radiologists, 2% hematologists, and 0.2% interventional cardiologists. The majority of respondents (79%) were aware of the results of the ATTRACT trial before completing the survey and routinely performed pharmacomechanical CDT (PCDT) in their centers (70%). Only 20% of clinicians considered ATTRACT to be a well-designed and well-performed trial. The inclusion of femoropopliteal DVT was reported as the main limitation of the trial by 55% of respondents. Despite half of the participating clinicians reporting no change in their clinical practice, equal number of clinicians (14%) were encouraged and discouraged from treating iliofemoral DVT. More than one-half of the respondents thought that the use of PCDT would be defensible in a court of law despite the increased risk of bleeding reported in the study. Nearly tw
Encarnacion S N, Onida S, Lane TR, et al., 2020, Do we need another modality for truncal vein ablation?, Phlebology, Vol: 35, Pages: 644-646, ISSN: 0268-3555
Benson RA, 2020, Global impact of the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic wave on vascular services, British Journal of Surgery, Vol: 107, Pages: 1396-1400, ISSN: 0007-1323
This online structured survey has demonstrated the global impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on vascular services. The majority of centres have documented marked reductions in operating and services provided to vascular patients. In the months during recovery from the resource restrictions imposed during the pandemic peaks, there will be a significant vascular disease burden awaiting surgeons.
Dattani N, Shalhoub J, Nandhra S, et al., 2020, Reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism following superficial endovenous treatment: a UK and Republic of Ireland consensus study, Phlebology, Vol: 35, Pages: 706-714, ISSN: 0268-3555
ObjectivesVenous thromboembolism is a potentially fatal complication of superficial endovenous treatment. Proper risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis could mitigate this hazard; however, there are currently no evidence-based or consensus guidelines. This study surveyed UK and Republic of Ireland vascular consultants to determine areas of consensus.MethodsA 32-item survey was sent to vascular consultants via the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (phase 1). These results generated 10 consensus statements which were redistributed (phase 2). ‘Good’ and ‘very good’ consensus were defined as endorsement/rejection of statements by >67% and >85% of respondents, respectively.ResultsForty-two consultants completed phase 1. This generated seven statements regarding risk factors mandating peri-procedural pharmacoprophylaxis and three statements regarding specific pharmacoprophylaxis regimes. Forty-seven consultants completed phase 2. Regarding venous thromboembolism risk factors mandating pharmacoprophylaxis, ‘good’ and ‘very good’ consensus was achieved for 5/7 and 2/7 statements, respectively. Regarding specific regimens, ‘very good’ consensus was achieved for 3/3 statements.ConclusionsThe main findings from this study were that there was ‘good’ or ‘very good’ consensus that patients with any of the seven surveyed risk factors should be given pharmacoprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin. High-risk patients should receive one to two weeks of pharmacoprophylaxis rather than a single dose.
Goodall R, Langridge B, Lane T, et al., 2020, A narrative review of the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in individuals with diabetic foot ulceration, International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, Vol: 19, Pages: 242-250, ISSN: 1534-7346
This review aims to summarise the evidence reported on the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in individuals with diabetic foot ulceration (DFU).A systematic search of EMBASE and MEDLINE databases was performed in February 2019, using search terms relating to the domains DFU and NMES. All primary evidence assessing outcomes of NMES in DFU were included. Of 344 references obtained from database searching, seven met the inclusion criteria and included a total of 140 participants, 77 of whom had DFU. All included studies used prospective designs. Two studies demonstrated improvements in chronic ulcer healing with NMES use, however in each study, only three of the included participants had DFU and subgroup analyses based on ulcer aetiology was omitted. The remaining five studies were produced by the same research group and positive effects of NMES (in combination with heat therapy) on DFU healing were consistently demonstrated. They reported significantly better healing rates with NMES in DFU than in non-diabetic wounds of a similar grade (Healing rate: 70.0±32.3% in DFU vs. 38.4±22.3% in non diabetic ulcers (p<0.01)). These studies did not provide data assessing the isolated effects of NMES without concomitant heat exposure. Data on device tolerability and compliance were lacking. The existing data supports a potential role for NMES in individuals with DFU, however the identified studies inadequately controlled for confounding and were underpowered. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with DFU, higher quality evidence is needed to assess the adjunctive role for NMES in this group.
Langridge BJ, Onida S, Weir J, et al., 2020, Cyanoacrylate glue embolisation for varicose veins - A novel complication, Phlebology, Vol: 35, Pages: 520-523, ISSN: 0268-3555
BackgroundNon-thermal non-tumescent methods for varicose vein treatment have rapidly gained popularity in recent years due to clinical efficacy comparable to other endovenous methods, but with a superior safety and tolerability profile. Cyanoacrylate is an adhesive that rapidly polymerises during endovenous treatment to cause rapid occlusion of veins and initiate vein fibrosis.MethodCyanoacrylate glue treatment is known to cause complications such as phlebitis, cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis in rare instances. We present the first reported case of cyanoacrylate extravasation with chronic foreign body reaction in a patient nine months after initial treatment.ResultsWe discuss the aetiology of this complication, its treatment, patient outcome and its significance to both clinicians and patients.ConclusionCyanoacrylate glue embolisation can, in rare instances, lead to extravasation and chronic foreign body reaction, necessitating surgical intervention. The relative novelty of cyanoacrylate glue embolisation in the treatment of varicose veins requires clinicians to monitor for rare complications during its use in clinical practice. Patients should be aware of the rare risk of glue extravasation and foreign body reaction for fully informed consent prior to treatment.
Dattani N, Shalhoub J, Nandhra S, et al., 2020, Corrigendum to Reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism following superficial endovenous treatment: A UK and Republic of Ireland consensus study, Phlebology, Vol: 35, Pages: 844-844, ISSN: 0268-3555
Goodall R, Langridge B, Onida S, et al., 2020, Median arcuate ligament syndrome, Journal of Vascular Surgery, Vol: 71, Pages: 2170-2176, ISSN: 0741-5214
BACKGROUND: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) describes the clinical presentation associated with direct compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament. The poorly understood pathophysiologic mechanism, variable symptom severity, and unpredictable response to treatment make MALS a controversial diagnosis. METHODS: This review summarizes the literature pertaining to the pathophysiologic mechanism, presentation, diagnosis, and management of MALS. A suggested diagnostic workup and treatment algorithm are presented. RESULTS: Individuals with MALS present with signs and symptoms of foregut ischemia, including exercise-induced or postprandial epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Consideration of MALS in patients' diagnostic workup is typically delayed. Currently, no group consensus agreement as to the diagnostic criteria for MALS exists; duplex ultrasound, angiography, and gastric exercise tonometry are used in different combinations and with varying diagnostic values throughout the literature. Surgical management involves decompression of the median arcuate ligament's constriction of the celiac artery; robotic, laparoscopic, endoscopic retroperitoneal, and open surgical intervention can provide effective symptom relief, but long-term follow-up data (>5 years) are lacking. Patients treated nonoperatively appear to have worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: MALS is an important clinical entity with significant impact on affected individuals. Presenting symptoms, patient demographics, and radiologic signs are generally consistent, as is the short-to medium-term (<5 years) response to surgical intervention. Future prospective studies should directly compare long-term symptomatic and quality of life outcomes after nonoperative management with outcomes after open, laparoscopic, endoscopic retroperitoneal, and robotic celiac artery decompression to enable the development of evidence-based guidelines for the management of MALS.
Lane T, Onida S, Davies A, 2020, Comment on: Strength of public preferences for endovascular or open aortic aneurysm repair, BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Vol: 107, Pages: 613-613, ISSN: 0007-1323
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