Conclusions: Hospital-based registries likely underestimate not only the incidence of acute aortic dissection but also its association with premorbid hypertension. The most significant treatable condition leading to acute aortic dissection remains uncontrolled hypertension.Summary: Even with well-established treatment guidelines, acute aortic dissection can have a high case fatality rate. However, little data on risk factors, incidence, or outcome of acute aortic dissection are available, and there is no prospective population-based study. Although abdominal aortic aneurysm incidence of rupture appears to be declining (Darwood R et al, J Vasc Surg 2012;56:8-13), trends with respect to acute aortic dissection are uncertain (Thrumurthy SG et al, BMJ 2012;344:d8290). The authors note there have only been two studies of the epidemiology of aortic dissection since 1980, and both were retrospective and used only routinely collected diagnostic or mortality coding data. Neither study assessed premorbid risk factors or functional outcome (

Evidence from the current literature, would suggest that superficial venous surgery is associated with similar rates of ulcer healing to compression alone, but with less recurrence. The effects of post-operative compression and DVI on the efficacy of surgery are still unclear.

The introduction of the CPP significantly improved compliance of hand decontamination, correct usage of gloves and aprons, and overall infection-control in a large teaching hospital. The CPP is a highly effective auditing and educational tool that can be readily adapted for use in hospitals globally to monitor and improve infection-control practices.

The majority of fatal pulmonary emboli arise from deep vein thromboses in the lower limb. Pulmonary embolism continues to be a major cause of death in hospitalized patients. The classification, history, epidemiology, pathophysiology and prognosis are disclosed. An overview of the current recommendations for venous thromboembolism in surgical and medical patients and the failure of its application are discussed. The use of adequate thromboprophylaxis in approximately only one-third of patients is a familiar account. Prophylaxis guidelines use risk stratification systems, which lend to confusion by clinicians with the inevitable consequence of failed prophylaxis implementation. The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence are due to provide national prophylactic guidelines in May 2007. Simplified guidelines, a national consensus, and continued education of patients and health care professions to maintain compliance, is the solution to thromboprophylaxis.