Review of article: Ozaki C, Hamdan A, Barshes N, Wyers M, Hevelone N, Belkin M, Nguyen L. Prospective, randomized, multi-institutional clinical trial of a silver alginate dressing to reduce lower-extremity vascular surgery wound complications. Society of vascular surgery 2015; 61:419-427
Lower-extremity arterial reconstructions are negatively affected by wound complications in about 30% of patients, with superficial surgical site infection being the most common. According to the 1999 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection, a sterile dressing should be used for 24–48 hours after surgery. In a prospective, randomized, multi-institutional clinical trial surgeons aimed to find whether silver alginate dressing used in lower-extremity vascular surgery would lower wound complications. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Anabelen Contreras, Denise Fay, Karen Hanrahan, Fernanda Trevisone Tags: Research Column Source Type: research
From the Editor's Perspective…
Henri J.M. Nouwen, in “Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life” stated: (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Tags: Perspectives Source Type: research
Sclerotherapy of telangiectasias or spider veins in the lower limb: A review
Telangiectasias or spider veins are dilated visible small superficial veins which occur predominately in the lower extremities. They are often associated with chronic venous disease (CVD) affecting the deeper larger veins.1 According to the clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiological classification system of CVD, which consists of 7 main categories (C0–C7); C0 indicates absence of venous disease. Telangiectasias and/or reticular veins are classified as C1.2 Specifically, telangiectasias are dilated venules, capillaries, or arterioles measuring 0.1–1.0 mm in diameter. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Lily Thomson Tags: Clinical Column Source Type: research
What Do They Do In That Hybrid Room?
The Hybrid operating room is an operating room in which both interventional procedures and surgical operations can be performed. The term “hybrid” is used because the rooms are the combination of the newest real time radiologic imaging in the aseptic environment of the operating room. The Hybrid room meets the needs of health care facilities for increased patient safety, improved surgical techniques and better cost efficiency demands, by combining minimally invasive and interventional technologies with medical imaging and communications in one room. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Sharon Brooks Source Type: research
Up, Up and Away: The Potential for Drug- Eluting Balloons for the Treatment of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease
Endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities is associated with a high rate of restenosis. One of the major causes of restenosis after percutaneous peripheral interventions such as stenting or angioplasty is neo-intimal hyperplasia. The multiple endovascular modalities for the treatment of peripheral arterial lesions evolved from coronary interventions. However, peripheral arterial lesions can be more challenging than coronary arterial lesions since lower extremity arterial disease can occur in long segments, are frequently multi-level and have lower flow rates. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Debra Kohlman-Trigoboff Source Type: research
Vascular Access Complications in Percutaneous Endovascular Procedures
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is frequently defined as the extracoronary manifestation of atherosclerosis. Advances in technology along with patient preferences have resulted in a shift from open surgical repair of PAD lesions to percutaneous catheter-based endovascular procedures such as balloon angioplasty, atherectomy and stents. Since 1995, there has been a ten-fold increase in these peripheral endovascular interventions. Obtaining vascular access in preparation for performing endovascular procedures is considered one of the most important components. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Kathleen Rich Source Type: research
VTE Prophylaxis: Implementing EBP to Enhance Knowledge and Compliance with Core Measures and Reduction in PSI 12
Every hospitalized patient has increased risk for the development of vascular related complications; indeed, patents that have surgical interventions, trauma or prolonged bedrest have additional risk. This presentation will review the process of care and implementation of evidenced based strategies that were executed to decrease deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) and subsequently improve patient outcomes at a level 1 trauma center urban hospital. In addition, the core measures for VTE prophylaxis will be reviewed as well as the patient safety indicator (PSI) 12 which is post-surgical DVT/PE. (Source: Jou...
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Pamela Mahaffey Source Type: research
Do the “WRITE” Thing - Guidelines for Writing for Publication
This interactive session will provide information on how to navigate the process to writing for publication. The session will identify practical ways of overcoming hurdles to writing, and emphasize how to plan and organize a piece of writing. Attendees will gain useful insider tips on writing and have a chance to get professional advice on ideas. The session will also provide the opportunity for networking and open communication with other nurse writers in attendance. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Cindy L. Lewis Source Type: research
Walking Program for Persons with Peripheral Artery Disease and Intermittent Claudication: The Patient Perspective
Background: One-third of people over age 50 with atherosclerotic risk factors have PAD. Intermittent claudication is a classic symptom of PAD, indicative of lower extremity ischemia. Supervised walking programs that increase speed and distance are recommended for persons with IC. Access to supervised walking programs is limited due to lack of Medicare reimbursement for structured walking programs. Little is known about experiences of individuals with PAD who participate in walking programs. Future planning for walking programs need to include the persons' views about feasibility, practicality, and previous experiences. (So...
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Angela Bentley Source Type: research
So What? It’s Just a Limb: Unveiling the Emotional, Financial, and Social Impact of Lower Extremity Amputations
The first amputation can be dated as early as the 17th century. Approximately 1.8 million Americans live with an amputation. Adjusting to the loss of a limb can be a lifelong process. This presentation will discuss the financial, emotional, and social burden that lower extremity amputees are likely to face. In Fiscal Year 2014, approximately 490 lower extremity amputations were performed at Florida Hospital Orlando, totaling over $67 million in medical expenses. Depression and anxiety are commonly experienced by lower extremity amputees. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Jannae White Source Type: research
To Bleed or not to Bleed: Current Anticoagulation Therapy and Implications for Practice
Background: Anticoagulants and anti platelets agents are commonplace in any vascular practice. In 2014, over 30 million people were taking Warfarin for indications including atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Yearly, over 2 million people are started a Vitamin K antagonist, Novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) or a heparin substrate. Additionally, in 2014, there were over 5.5 million prescriptions written for new antiplatelet agents. Vascular nurses are well versed with the care of the patient with a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli as there are over 600,000 VTE events diagnosed annually. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Kristen Alix Source Type: research
The PAD PRAIRIE Initiative: The First Year
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) has a devastating effect on the lives of older adults, limiting function, quality of life, and the likelihood of being able to live independently. Its impact, the cycle of disability that ensues as the disease progresses, the lack of public and provider awareness of this condition's importance, the under-diagnosis and treatment, and the lack of referral for effective interventions for PAD are well documented. This may be especially true in rural communities. The PAD Initiative: PRomoting Healthy Aging and Mobility In Rural MInnEsota (PRAIRIE) is an innovative three-year project designed to c...
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Diane Treat-Jacobson Source Type: research
An Integrative Review to Develop a Better Understanding of the Experience of Chronic Critical Limb Ischaemia
Chronic Lower Limb Ischaemia (CCLI) presents a highly individualised set of personal and health circumstances. Consideration of therapeutic options involves processing information about a complex clinical situation often by people with significant disease-related physical, psychological and emotional impairment. In addition to the technical aspects and predicted outcomes of interventions, the quality of life (QoL) of these patients and the concerns of the patient and their family requires serious consideration during the decision-making process. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Sue Monaro Source Type: research
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Promoting Awareness, Screenings, and Patient Support
Thousands of individuals die each year from a ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). These deaths can be prevented by promoting awareness of AAA disease and encouraging individuals who are at risk to have a simple ultrasound screening. Fortunately, many AAAs are discovered accidently during tests for other reasons. Depending on the size of aortic dilation corrective surgery may or may not be performed. Individuals diagnosed with an AAA have many questions and need education about the disease process and treatment protocols. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Ken Tillman Source Type: research
Enchanted Tales in Home Health Care...It Doesn't Have to be a Nightmare!
As healthcare costs continue to rise, the vascular patient, with multiple comorbidities is faced with enduring an ever growing number of medical/surgical interventions which can now be performed as an outpatient or with a shortened length of hospitalization. In an effort to transition home, many of these patients will require the assistance of their families, but also home health care services. As health care providers, we must identify those patients who will benefit from home health care services, determine their needs, and develop an affordable care plan which will promote patient success. (Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing)
Source: Journal of Vascular Nursing - May 20, 2016 Category: Nursing Authors: Dewey Moulton Source Type: research
