Treatment activity of vascular diseases varies depending on population
, preference of doctors and the availability of vascular surgical serv
ices. Vascular registry offers an opportunity to review practice, to c
ompare outcome with a standard, and to implement change to improve pra
ctice. Prospective data collection of all reconstructive vascular proc
edures has been performed in Finland for seven years. According to a r
eview of the first five years, combined vascular and endovascular acti
vity has increased nation-wide from 3508 procedures done in 1991 to 52
00 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 deli
very. This data can be used for decision-making and should be used for
planning of the vascular surgical services in Finland.