Vascular Teams Recognised for Exceptional Contribution to Research

Cwm Taf Morgannwg, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Aneurin Bevan University Health Boards have been congratulated by the National Institute for Health Research for their contribution to the EVOCC research trial.

The research trial assesses whether 'minimally invasive' surgery is as effective, or more effective than traditional open surgery for revascularisation.* 

*Revascularization is a medical procedure that restores blood flow when arteries or veins are blocked or narrowed.

The study, funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and sponsored by the University of Leicester. Could improve treatment for people with blocked or narrowed arteries. This is significant because Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) currently affects one in five people over 55 years of age in the UK.

"The EVOCC study is important as it will allow us to understand if developments in techniques and technology transfers into improved outcomes for patients in terms of limb salvage, survival and quality of life." said Lewis Meecham,  Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

The three Health Boards were recognised for their collaborative work on the study by Professor Athanasios Thanos Saratzis, NIHR Research Professor and Professor of Vascular Surgery, and Chief Investigator for the EVOCC Trial.

"This level of cross-site cooperation is essential for the success of multicentre trials such as EVOCC. Explaining these "joint efforts are instrumental in advancing vascular research in Wales." said the letter from Professor Saratzis, 

“Over the past seven months, the team has achieved seven patient randomisations into the EVOCC trial—an exceptional level of consistent recruitment. This performance is particularly impressive given the current national research climate, where capacity constraints and limited funding continue to challenge trial delivery across the NHS.” - continued Professor Saratiz.

Huw Davies, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said: 'Working in a complex network with hub and spoke arrangement has required the research teams across 3 health boards to collaborate and cross-pollinate to achieve excellent trial recruitment and follow up, which has been recognised by the trial's Chief Investigator. We have worked brilliantly as a team to deliver this research and look forward to further strengthening our networks over the  coming months.'

For more information on the study you can watch a video of Professor Thanos here: Cutting edge: The EVOCC Trial Update November 2025