Current Practices in Venous Disease—A Survey of Canadian Vascular Surgeons

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the practice patterns of vascular surgeons in Canada in the treatment of superficial venous disease. A web-based survey was sent to 155 active members of the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery. The survey included 19 questions investigating the venous practices of vascular surgeons. Questions assessed training background, practice site, venous treatments offered, and obstacles to therapy. Open-ended questions were also included as options for additional comments. A total of 63 responses (41%) were acquired during February and March 2017. Respondents were roughly equal from academic (54%) and community (46%) sites, with an even distribution of years in practice. Only 62% offered sclerotherapy, whereas 49% offered endovenous ablation procedures in their practice. The majority of surgeons thought that their residency and fellowship had not prepared them for an active venous practice (68%). Seventy-five percent of surgeons are interested in attending a hands-on course in venous therapy. The main challenges faced with venous therapy include lack of time due to overwhelming arterial diseases (67%), equipment cost/office space limitations (52%), and lack of knowledge or skills in contemporary procedures (27%). Sixty percent of the respondents perceived barriers in getting venous ultrasound imaging for their patients. Fifty-seven percent of surgeons believe there are gaps between published guidelines and the care of venous disease in their practices. However, 92% of respondents believe that vascular surgeons should be leaders in delivering care for venous disease. The treatment of superficial venous disease has advanced during the last few decades, but significant obstacles exist for Canadian surgeons to deliver venous therapy in accordance with current guidelines.