Since 2000 the numbers of both open and endovascular revascularization procedures have increased. Despite these increases, the number of major lower extremity amputations (LEAs) has remained relatively constant. The aim of the present study was to assess the number of vascular procedures in relation to the frequency of major LEAs in Finland.

The Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) administers a national registry of all procedures conducted by official healthcare providers in Finland. Data regarding all revascularization procedures and major LEAs between 2007 and 2017 inclusive, were collected from the THL registry. The rates of both open and endovascular procedures were analyzed.

A total of 69,523 revascularization procedures were registered over the 11-year period. Of all revascularizations, 22.6% were endovascular in 2007, which rose to 60.5% in 2017. The annual rates of vascular procedures per 100,000 inhabitants increased from 66 in 2007 to 172 in 2017 (increase 10 procedures per year, 95% CI 8.6–12.3, P < 0.01) There was a significant increase (by 141 per year, 95% CI 110–174, P < 0.01) for open revascularizations (2705 operations in 2007, 3992 operations in 2017) and (by 491 per year, 95% CI 433–550, P < 0.01) for endovascular revascularizations (791 in 2007–5514 in 2017). Open aorto-iliac segment revascularization decreased, whereas the numbers of procedures increased for all other arterial segments.

The overall frequency of amputations was 18–20 per 100,000. The frequency of amputations in the subpopulation over 65 years old decreased from 93 in 2007 to 72 in 2017 (P < 0.01).

The present study demonstrated increases in vascular surgery procedures over the 11-year study-period. The increase was greatest for endovascular procedures. During the same period, there was a significant decrease in the frequency of major LEAs in the >65-year-old subpopulation.