Thrombolysis Study Group

The TSG is a group of vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists and angiologists from the United Kingdom who are all interested in the study of peripheral thrombolysis for acute leg ischaemia. Formed in 1992 after a collaborative meeting, the group has met every six months since to discuss joint research projects and present data to each other. The meetings are an opportunity to discuss possible collaborative research , individual research in progress and provide a a forum to attract guest lecturers and presentations. Membership of the TSG is open to all clinicians who are interested in contributing to the collaborative research projects in peripheral thrombolysis. Details about membership and future meetings can be obtained from the group secretary (see below). The NATALI database. In 1993, on behalf of the entire TSG, a full time research fellow was appointed to perform thrombolysis research. Bruce Braithwaite (presently Specialist Vascular Registrar, University Hospital, Nottingham) led and co-ordinated the NATALI project - National Audit of Thrombolysis for Acute Leg Ischaemia. The aim of the project was to design a bespoke database for episodes of peripheral thrombolysis to which all member hospitals could contribute. The database was designed in collaboration with Clinical Audit Systems (CAS Ltd) with the help of Mr Alastair Ritchie (Gloucestershire Royal Hospital). The database presently contains over 750 episodes of peripheral thrombolysis. The NATALI database has been used as an audit tool and for research projects. Every six months, participating centres receive a printout of their thrombolysis results, together with the results of the whole group for comparison. In addition a number of prospective research projects have been undertaken (see bibliography). Currently, 11 vascular centres are contributing information to the database. Some provide information using printed data collection sheets which are returned to the co-ordinating centre in Gloucester. Several of the original group members have access to their own NATALI databases and can return information electronically. The NATALI database is co-ordinated and maintained by Mrs Birgit Davies at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The TSG organised a Congress of Thrombolysis in London in January 1997. Several international speakers gave state of the art presentations about peripheral thrombolysis. An booklet containing abstracts written by the speakers is available and copies can be obtained from the TSG chairman or from Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd who sponsored the Congress. The group has been involved in general discussions about peripheral thrombolysis. Several members of the TSG joined with a working party led by Professor Marc Verstraete (Leuven, Belgium) to discuss a consensus document. The result of these meetings has recently been published: Working party on thrombolysis in the management of limb ischemia. Thrombolysis in the management of lower limb peripheral arterial occlusion - a consensus document. Am. J. Cardiol. 1998; 81: 207-18. Former Officers of the TSG include Mr AEB Giddings (King's College, London). Past Chairman 1993-5 Mr DC Berridge (St James' Hospital, Leeds). Past Secretary 1993-6 Current Officers Mr JJ Earnshaw (Gloucestershire Royal Hospital). Chairman since 1995 Dr P Gaines (Northern General Hospital, Sheffield) Secretary since 1996 The next TSG meeting is to be held as a satellite symposium at the Tripartite Vascular Meeting, Stratford July 3rd/4th Further details from Dr P Gaines, TSG secretary. Registration for the full meeting via Ms T Szymanska, PA to the VSS, Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester.

The Thrombolysis Study Group and the NATALI database have been sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd. The group wishes to acknowledge the generosity of this company and to thank in particular Annie Cartwright and Ian Desborough for their continued support and enthusiasm over a number of years.

updated 21.3.1998

prepared by JJ Earnshaw DM FRCS

earnshaw@rudford.demon.co.uk