SRS63 - Centralisation and timeliness of vascular surgery: a retrospective analysis from a regional network

Abstract Introduction Regional vascular surgery networks in the UK centralise arterial intervention within designated arterial centres (AC), while non-arterial centres (NAC) continue to provide much of the surrounding care. This structure may inadvertently lead to inequities in treatment timelines for patients depending on their initial point of referral. We evaluated treatment times within a West Yorkshire vascular network, focusing on elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and planned lower limb surgical revascularisation. Patients and Methods Retrospective review of National Vascular Registry data conducted covering the period October 2022 to September 2024. Patients categorised according to whether they were initially seen at the AC or NAC. For elective AAA repair, we analysed time from diagnostic CT scan to intervention and the proportion of patients treated within 8 weeks (national guideline). For lower limb surgical revascularisation, the interval from initial clinic review to surgery was assessed. Results Eighty-six patients underwent elective AAA repair (AC: n = 55, median age 74; NAC: n = 31, median age 72). Median time from CT to treatment was shorter at the AC (59 versus 86 days, P = 0.04). More patients at the AC were treated within 8 weeks (26 versus 8, P = 0.05). Lower limb surgical revascularisation (n = 85; AC: 51, NAC: 34), time from clinic to surgery was shorter at the AC (42 versus 53.5 days), although not statistically significant. Conclusions Elective AAA repair demonstrates variation in treatment timelines. Addressing these disparities is essential to ensure equitable access, streamline referral pathways, and optimise outcomes across vascular networks.