Improving quality of care in vascular surgery: the tools are available now

This overview delineates the current evidence and suggested practice protocols for three areas of vascular disease evaluation and treatment that have shown particular patient benefit. Presented as brief topical reviews are (1) preoperative cardiac evaluation and risk factor modification, (2) use of autologous tissue and graft surveillance for infrainguinal bypass, and (3) deep vein thrombosis risk stratification and prophylaxis. It is this author's hope is that this overview will emphasize currently effective and underused therapies and stimulate further research into best practices for improving the quality of care for vascular surgery patients.