DO VASCULAR REGISTERS AFFECT DECISION-MAKING

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.