Though ensuring patients undergo surveillance imaging after surgery is a key quality metric after many vascular procedures, new research published in JAMA Surgery noted that only half of patients receive follow-up imaging after vascular surgery, despite some hospitals participating in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI).
The study investigated 2,174 hospitals administering 3.2 million procedures—all of which recommended postoperative surveillance imaging within the first year—for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), lower extremity bypass (LEB), peripheral vascular intervention (PVI), carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS).
The following rates of surveillance imaging—via CT, duplex ultrasonography or ankle-brachial index—were observed at one year:
- 55.4 percent for all vascular procedures throughout the study.
- For EVAR, 50.5 percent in 2008-09 and 52.5 percent in 2012-13.
- For LEB and PVI, 52.3 percent and 57.7 percent over the same timeframe.
- For CEA and CAS, 74.6 percent and 77.7 percent.
It was determined that hospital participation in the Vascular Quality Initiative had little to no impact on follow up imaging after vascular surgery.
For additional information, please read the full story on Radiology Business’ sister publication, Cardiovascular Business:
As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.