A Greener Vascular Surgery: A Survey of Current Green Practices

Background: Climate change is an environmental emergency. With health care systems contributing to 5% of carbon emissions globally, environmental sustainability is an important consideration when delivering surgical services. This survey aimed to understand current green practices across vascular centers. 

Methods: A survey on routine sustainable practices and the feasibility of implementing greener practices was developed between the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network and the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland. The survey was delivered using the Qualtrics online survey tool and distributed through mailing lists and social media. The survey was open to completion by all vascular health care professionals internationally. Responses were collected between June 2, 2023, and September 15, 2023. 

Results: A total of 115 vascular health care professionals across 14 different countries responded. Disposable theater materials were used in 85% (98/115) of respondents' centers. Most centers used electronic patient records (investigation requests [76%, 85/112], observation charts [81%; 91/112], prescriptions [74%; 83/112]). Paper recycling policies were available in 52% (58/112) of respondents' centers. All the respondents agreed that vascular surgery can be greener. 80% (92/115) of respondents reported environmental sustainability was never discussed in departmental meetings and 24% (28/115) reported their department engaged with management to implement more sustainable practices. Barriers to change included finance (77%, 89/115), competing priorities (84%, 97/115), and lack of engagement (82%, 94/115). 

Conclusion: This survey identified areas where vascular services could be more environmentally friendly, including reducing the use of disposable materials and improving recycling. Vascular health professionals are largely supportive of implementing changes to reduce the carbon footprint.