SVS is developing clinical practice guidelines to aid its 3,000 members and their patients in the decision-making process. SVS committees draw upon systematic reviews of the available evidence to inform its key recommendations. Reviews are performed by the Knowledge and Encounter Research (KER) Unit of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minn.
In the November 2009 issue of the Journal of Vascular Surgery, SVS published guidelines for the management of the left subclavian artery with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). In formulating the clinical practice guidelines, the society selected a panel of experts and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. They used the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) method to develop and present their recommendations. The overall quality of evidence was very low. The committee issued three recommendations. Read the article to learn more.
In the October 2009 supplement of the Journal of Vascular Surgery, SVS published clinical practice guidelines regarding the care for patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Download and view the guidelines and review article to learn more.
In the November 2008 supplement of the Journal of Vascular Surgery, SVS published clinical practice guidelines outlining seven key recommendations on the surgical placement and maintenance of arteriovenous hemodialysis access. Download and view the guidelines. Five additional documents from the supplement cover the methods used by the KER unit to analyze the available evidence in the literature, an analysis of evidence, and a review of the identification and management of the complications of arteriovenous hemodialysis access. These additional documents are available on the journal's Web site - click on Supplements in the left sidebar.
In the August 2008 issue of the Journal of Vascular Surgery, SVS published clinical practice guidelines outlining five key recommendations in the management of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease. Download and view the guidelines and the review article to learn more.