Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Fully Endoscopic Mitral Valve Repair with Percutaneous Cannulation of Groin Vessels
Published on: May 26, 2023
Diagnoses and clinical features associated with high risk for unplanned readmission in vascular surgery. A cohort
Marina Yiasemidou1, Andrew I D Mavor1, Patrick J Kent1
1Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St, Leeds LS1 3EX, United Kingdom.
Insights
High readmission rates in vascular surgery, particularly for lower limb ischaemia and diabetic foot sepsis, necessitate multidisciplinary care. Addressing medical factors like renal disease and COPD is crucial for preventing patient readmissions.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Patient Readmission Analysis
Background:
- Readmission rates are key healthcare quality indicators, with preventable readmissions incurring significant costs.
- The UK has seen an increasing trend in emergency readmissions, with vascular surgery showing high rates.
- Identifying risk factors for unplanned readmissions in vascular surgery is essential for reducing healthcare burdens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific diagnoses contributing to high unplanned readmission rates in vascular surgery.
- To pinpoint clinical risk factors associated with patient readmissions.
- To inform strategies for reducing readmissions in vascular surgery patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient readmission data at Leeds Vascular Institute.
- Categorization of readmissions by diagnosis, medical vs. surgical reasons, and comorbidities.
- Examination of the types of treatments required upon readmission.
Main Results:
- The overall 30-day readmission rate was 8.8%, with lower limb ischaemia and diabetic foot sepsis being the most common diagnoses.
- Medical readmissions (6.5%) were significantly higher than surgical readmissions (2.3%).
- Renal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were the most frequent medical diagnoses; most readmitted patients required further surgery.
Conclusions:
- Vascular units should implement holistic, multidisciplinary treatment for lower limb ischaemia and diabetic foot sepsis to reduce readmissions.
- Early physician involvement is recommended for managing vascular patients with comorbidities like renal disease and COPD.
- Focusing on these conditions and comorbidities can help prevent unnecessary patient readmissions and reduce healthcare costs.
Background:
Readmission rate is an established health quality indicator. Preventable readmissions bear an unnecessary, high cost on the healthcare system. An analysis performed by the National Centre for Health Outcomes Development (NCHOD) has demonstrated an increasing trend in emergency readmissions in the UK. Vascular surgery has been reported to have high readmission rates second only to congestive heart failure. This study aims to identify diagnoses and other clinical risk factors for high unplanned readmission rates. This may be the first step to sparing both the health care system and patients of unnecessary readmissions.
Results:
The overall 30 day readmission rate for Leeds Vascular Institute was 8.8%. The two diagnoses with the highest readmission rates were lower limb ischaemia and diabetic foot sepsis. The readmission rate for medical reasons was overwhelmingly higher than for surgical reasons (6.5% and 2.3% respectively). The most common medical diagnoses were renal disease and COPD. The majority of the patients readmitted under the care of vascular surgery required further surgical treatment.
Conclusion:
Vascular units should focus on holistic and multidisciplinary treatment of lower limb ischaemia and diabetic foot sepsis, in order to prevent readmissions. Furthermore, the early involvement and input of physicians in the treatment of vascular patients with renal disease and COPD may be appropriate.
