Do vascular registers affect decision-making? Finnvasc Study Group.

Treatment activity of vascular diseases varies depending on population, preference of doctors and the availability of vascular surgical services. Vascular registry offers an opportunity to review practice, to compare outcome with a standard, and to implement change to improve practice. Prospective data collection of all reconstructive vascular procedures has been performed in Finland for seven years. According to a review of the first five years, combined vascular and endovascular activity has increased nation-wide from 3508 procedures done in 1991 to 5200 in 1995. There are marked regional differences in the frequency and selection of various treatment modalities, which can not be explained only by epidemiological data but as well by skewed vascular care delivery. This data can be used for decision-making and should be used for planning of the vascular surgical services in Finland.