Structured surveillance of patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease after peripheral vascular interventions.

Longterm follow-up and surveillance after either an endovascular or an open surgical vascular intervention is an essential part of the angiologist's or vascular surgeon's care for patients with peripheral arterial disease. This includes diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, selection and monitoring of antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy after revascularization, and surveillance of the results of the vascular intervention. This integrated approach to patients' care will improve patients' prognosis quoad vitam and quoad extremitatem and their quality of life. We summarize the rationale and evidence-based practical approaches and guidelines for structured long term surveillance of patients with peripheral arterial disease after a vascular intervention.