The ulcerated leg: when to revascularize

A Multidisciplinary Approach to End-Stage Limb Salvage in the Highly Comorbid Atraumatic Population: An Observational Study

Background: The use of free tissue transfer (FTT) is efficacious for chronic, non-healing lower extremity (LE) wounds. The four pillars of managing patient comorbidities, infection control, blood flow status, and biomechanical function are critical in achieving successful limb salvage. The authors present their multidisciplinary institutional experience with a review of 300 FTTs performed for the complex LE limb salvage of chronic LE wounds. Methods: A single-institution, retrospective review of atraumatic LE FTTs performed by a single surgeon from July 2011 to January 2023 was reviewed. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative management, intraoperative details, flap outcomes, postoperative complications, and long-term outcomes were collected. Results: A total of 300 patients who underwent LE FTT were included in our retrospective review. Patients were on average 55.9 ± 13.6 years old with a median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4 (IQR: 3). The majority of patients were male (70.7%). The overall hospital length of stay (LOS) was 27 days (IQR: 16), with a postoperative LOS of 14 days (IQR: 9.5). The most prevalent comorbidities were diabetes (54.7%), followed by peripheral vascular disease (PVD: 35%) and chronic kidney disease (CKD: 15.7%). The average operative LE FTT time was 416 ± 115 min. The majority of flaps were anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps (52.7%), followed by vastus lateralis (VL) flaps (25.3%). The immediate flap success rate was 96.3%. The postoperative ipsilateral amputation rate was 12.7%. Conclusions: Successful limb salvage is possible in a highly comorbid patient population with a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and end-stage renal disease. In order to optimize patients prior to their LE FTT, extensive laboratory, arterial, and venous preoperative testing and diabetes management are needed preoperatively. Postoperative monitoring and long-term follow-up with a multidisciplinary team are also crucial for long-term limb salvage success.

Oxygen Saturation or Tissue Oxygen Determinations on Skin Whose Viability is at Risk

The triad of ischaemia, neuropathy, and infection are among the principal causes of lower extremity wounds that are commonly prevalent in patients with diabetic foot (DF) a condition in which peripheral arterial disease commonly co-exists. The prevalence of this condition is increasing globally and with it, the mounting costs of its management. One aspect of management is saving limbs and or digits, a crucial part of this process is assessing tissue viability of skin which is a focus of this review: there are other aspects which are well described in the literature. Amputations are offered to limit the damage resulting from acute/chronic ischaemia. Holstein measured skin perfusion pressure using a radioisotope clearance technique to describe critically ischaemic skin; he found 30 mm Hg as the threshold above which healing may reliably be expected. Recent advances in vascular surgery and related technology have informed evidence-based advice to revascularize and save limbs; in practice, this may leave a wound in the distal skin unhealed; managing these raises questions of tissue viability. Much effort has been made to manage, prevent and to better understand these lower extremity wounds using measurements of tissue oxygen, oxygen saturation and skin imaging. The measurement techniques and their relevant merits are examined in this article. Advances in wound management systems and protocols can also facilitate the repair processes, and those which can have a particular impact on restoring or maintaining tissue perfusion are also discussed in the article.

Evaluation of the Angiosome Concept Using Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging with Indocyanine Green

BACKGROUND

The angiosome concept is defined as the anatomical territory of a source artery within all tissue layers. When applying this theory in vascular surgery, direct revascularization (DR) is preferred to achieve increased blood flow toward the targeted angiosome of the foot in patients with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD). This study evaluates the applicability of the angiosome concept using quantified near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG).

METHODS

This study included patients undergoing an endovascular- or surgical revascularization of the leg between January 2019 and December 2021. Preinterventional and postinterventional ICG NIR fluorescence imaging was performed. Three angiosomes on the dorsum of the foot were determined: the posterior tibial artery (hallux), the anterior tibial artery (dorsum of the foot) and the combined angiosome (second to fifth digit). The angiosomes were classified from the electronic patient records and the degree of collateralization was classified based on preprocedural computed tomography angiography and/or X-ray angiography. Fluorescence intensity was quantified in all angiosomes. A subgroup analysis based on endovascular or surgical revascularized angiosomes, and within critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients was performed.

RESULTS

ICG NIR fluorescence measurements were obtained in 52 patients (54 limbs) including a total of 157 angiosomes (121 DR and 36 indirect revascularizations [IR]). A significant improvement of all perfusion parameters in both the directly and indirectly revascularized angiosomes was found (P-values between <0.001-0.007). Within the indirectly revascularized angiosomes, 90.6% of the scored collaterals were classified as significant. When comparing the percentual change in perfusion parameters between the directly and indirectly revascularized angiosomes, no significant difference was seen in all perfusion parameters (P-values between 0.253 and 0.881). Similar results were shown in the CLTI patients subgroup analysis, displaying a significant improvement of perfusion parameters in both the direct and indirect angiosome groups (P-values between <0.001 and 0.007), and no significant difference when comparing the percentual parameter improvement between both angiosome groups (P-values between 0.134 and 0.359). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed when comparing percentual changes of perfusion parameters in directly and indirectly revascularized angiosomes for both endovascular and surgical interventions (P-values between 0.053 and 0.899).

CONCLUSIONS

This study proves that both DR and IR of an angiosome leads to an improvement of perfusion. This suggests that interventional strategies should not only focus on creating in-line flow to the supplying angiosome. One can argue that the angiosome concept is not applicable in patients with LEAD.

Predictors of healing, ulcer recurrence and persistence, amputation and mortality in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic foot: a 10-year retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Predictors of outcome of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) are important to improve the management of patients. Aim of the study was to find these predictors in type 2 diabetic patients with DFU.

METHODS

We recruited 583 patients. They were followed-up by a multidisciplinary team. A holistic and conservative approach was used and all risk factors and co-morbidities were aggressively treated.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 79.6% of patients healed in a mean time of 7.6 ± 3.8 months, 6.9% showed DFU persistence, 9.9% had minor amputations, and 3.6% experienced major amputation. Seventeen percent of the patients died. Among patients who healed, 37.1% of them showed DFU recurrence. Impairment of renal function was associated to DFU persistence, amputation, and mortality. Previous cardiovascular disease predicted DFU persistence, DFU recurrence, and mortality. Lower BMI predicted DFU persistence and mortality. Osteomyelitis was a predictor of amputation and death. Markers of peripheral artery disease (PAD) predicted minor amputation and DFU recurrence. Our study shows a relatively low incidence of complications of DFU.

CONCLUSIONS

Some predictors of outcome of DFU were confirmed and new predictors, like BMI and markers of PAD, were found. Our new findings suggest future strategies for nutrition support and revascularization. In addition, a holistic and conservative approach may improve the prognosis.

Effectiveness of bedside investigations to diagnose peripheral artery disease among people with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

The accurate identification of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients with diabetes and foot ulceration is important, in order to inform timely management and to plan intervention including revascularisation. A variety of non-invasive tests are available to diagnose PAD at the bedside, but there is no consensus as to the most useful test, or the accuracy of these bedside investigations when compared to reference imaging tests such as magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomography angiography, digital subtraction angiography or colour duplex ultrasound. Members of the International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot updated our previous systematic review, to include all eligible studies published between 1980 and 2018. Some 15 380 titles were screened, resulting in 15 eligible studies (comprising 1563 patients, of which >80% in each study had diabetes) that evaluated an index bedside test for PAD against a reference imaging test. The primary endpoints were positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR). We found that the most commonly evaluated test parameter was ankle brachial index (ABI) <0.9, which may be useful to suggest the presence of PAD (PLR 6.5) but an ABI value between 0.9 and 1.3 does not rule out PAD (NLR 0.31). A toe brachial index >0.75 makes the diagnosis of PAD less likely (NLR 0.14-0.24), whereas pulse oximetry may be used to suggest the presence of PAD (if toe saturation < 2% lower than finger saturation; PLR 17.23-30) or render PAD less likely (NLR 0.2-0.27). We found that the presence of triphasic tibial waveforms has the best performance value for excluding a diagnosis of PAD (NLR 0.09-0.28), but was evaluated in only two studies. In addition, we found that beside clinical examination (including palpation of foot pulses) cannot reliably exclude PAD (NLR 0.75), as evaluated in one study. Overall, the quality of data is generally poor and there is insufficient evidence to recommend one bedside test over another. While there have been six additional publications in the last 4 years that met our inclusion criteria, more robust evidence is required to achieve consensus on the most useful non-invasive bedside test to diagnose PAD.

A conservative approach to select patients with ischemic wounds is safe and effective in the setting of deferred revascularization

OBJECTIVE

The Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection classification system has been validated to predict benefit from inmediate revascularization and major amputation risk among patients with peripheral arterial disease. Our primary goal was to evaluate wound healing, limb salvage, and survival among patients with ischemic wounds undergoing revascularization when intervention was deferred by a trial of conservative wound therapy.

METHODS

All patients with peripheral arterial disease and tissue loss are prospectively enrolled into our Prevention of Amputation in Veterans Everywhere limb preservation program. Limbs are stratified into a validated pathway of care based on predetermined criteria (immediate revascularization, conservative treatment, primary amputation, and palliative care). Limbs allocated to the conservative strategy that failed to demonstrate adequate wound healing and were candidates, underwent deferred revascularization. Rates of wound healing, freedom from major amputation, and survival were compared between patients who underwent deferred revascularization with those who received immediate revascularization by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Between January 2008 and December 2017, 855 limbs were prospectively enrolled into the Prevention of Amputation in Veterans Everywhere program. A total of 203 limbs underwent immediate revascularization. Of 236 limbs stratified to a conservative approach, 185 (78.4%) healed and 33 (14.0%) underwent deferred revascularization (mean, 2.7 ± 2.6 months). The mean long-term follow-up was 51.7 ± 37.0 months. Deferred compared with immediate revascularization demonstrated similar rates of wound healing (66.7% vs 57.6%; P = .33), freedom from major amputation (81.8% vs 74.9%; P = .39), and survival (54.5% vs 50.7%; P = .69). After adjustment for overall Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection stratification stages, deferred revascularization remained similar to immediate revascularization for wound healing (hazard ratio [HR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-3.2), freedom from major amputation (HR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.3-1.7) and survival (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.6-2.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Limbs with mild to moderate ischemia that fail a trial of conservative wound therapy and undergo deferred revascularization achieve similar rates of wound healing, limb salvage, and survival compared with limbs undergoing immediate revascularization. A stratified approach to critical limb ischemia is safe and can avoid unnecessary procedures in selected patients.

Current concepts for the evaluation and management of diabetic foot ulcers

The lifetime risk for diabetic patients to develop a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is 25%. In these patients, the risk of amputation is increased and the outcome deteriorates.More than 50% of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputations are related to DFU infections and 85% of all lower-extremity amputations in patients with diabetes are preceded by an ulcer; up to 70% of diabetic patients with a DFU-related amputation die within five years of their amputation.Optimal management of patients with DFUs must include clinical awareness, adequate blood glucose control, periodic foot inspection, custom therapeutic footwear, off-loading in high-risk patients, local wound care, diagnosis and control of osteomyelitis and ischaemia. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:513-525. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.180010.

Management of peripheral arterial disease in diabetes: a national survey of podiatry practice in the United Kingdom

Background

We aimed to investigate podiatry practice in diagnosing peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in diabetes, decision making once PAD is suspected and limitations of referral pathways.

Methods

A survey, comprising 26 questions was distributed to podiatrists across the UK via mailing lists of collaborating organizations including the College of Podiatry (UK). Response rates were estimated based on NHS workforce data. Analysis of responses from the open-ended questions was performed using inductive content analysis.

Results

Data from 283 respondents were analyzed. Response rate for all NHS podiatrists across the UK was estimated to be 6%. For the detection of arterial disease only 18.8% (n = 49/260) of participants reported using a full combination of history, pulse palpation, Doppler and ABPI assessment. Self-reported confidence in detecting arterial disease was highest amongst podiatrists who felt they had received adequate training compared to podiatrists who felt they had not (median 85 (IQR 75-90) vs 67 (50-77), respectively; p < 0.001) as well as those who see > 20 diabetic patients per week compared to those who see < 20 (median 80 (IQR 70-90) vs 72 (60-82.8), respectively; p < 0.001). Over one third of respondents (35.8%, n = 93/260) were aware of missed cases of PAD in the past year and 17.5% (n = 38/217) believed that this resulted in an amputation in some cases.The survey highlighted a lack of clarity amongst podiatrists regarding referral guidelines. Additionally, 69% (n = 169/242) reported that their patients had to wait longer than 2-weeks for specialist vascular assessment and 67.6% (n = 54/80) reported similar waits for a Duplex Ultrasound scan. There was a statistically significant variation in DUS waiting time across the UK (X² (10, N = 80) = 21.59, p = 0.017). Inability to make a direct referral to vascular services and long delays were reported as major limitations of the referral pathway.

Conclusion

We have identified important targets for further investigation and quality improvement.

Free-Flap Transfer for Coverage of Transmetatarsal Amputation Stump to Preserve Residual Foot Length

Surgical management of soft-tissue defects of the forefoot and midfoot caused by trauma or diabetic complications can be challenging because locoregional tissue is insufficient to provide adequate flap. This deficiency necessitates higher-level amputations, such as Chopart or even transtibial amputation, resulting in far more debilitating functional outcomes than are seen with partial foot amputation. The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical outcomes after transmetatarsal amputation and a free-flap transfer to preserve foot length. This prospective case series was conducted from January 2011 to December 2015 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at our institute. A total of 16 patients (11 men and 5 women) were enrolled in this study, all of whom were candidates for higher-level amputation because of inadequate soft-tissue coverage after debridement. Each patient underwent transmetatarsal amputation and reconstruction of the amputation stump using free-flap transfers to preserve foot length. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected to evaluate the postoperative outcomes. All 16 free-flap transfers were successful, with no major complications. In 2 cases, partial flap necrosis required additional skin grafting. The mean follow-up period was 24.3 months (range = 7-55 months). Flap coverage was stable, and all the patients were comfortable with their prostheses at long-term follow-up. Use of a free flap to reconstruct a transmetatarsal amputation stump provided stable coverage, preserved maximal foot length, and resulted in good functional outcomes.

Optimizing Technology Use for Chronic Lower-Extremity Wound Healing

Innovations in technology are used in managing chronic wounds. Despite the wide range of technologies available, healing of chronic wounds remains variable. In this paper, the authors offer an evidence based approach to the use of technology for diagnosis and management based on the concept of standardised care.

Effectiveness of bedside investigations to diagnose peripheral artery disease among people with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

Non-invasive tests for the detection of peripheral artery disease (PAD) among individuals with diabetes mellitus are important to estimate the risk of amputation, ulceration, wound healing and the presence of cardiovascular disease, yet there are no consensus recommendations to support a particular diagnostic modality over another and to evaluate the performance of index non-invasive diagnostic tests against reference standard imaging techniques (magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomography angiography, digital subtraction angiography and colour duplex ultrasound) for the detection of PAD among patients with diabetes. Two reviewers independently screened potential studies for inclusion and extracted study data. Eligible studies evaluated an index test for PAD against a reference test. An assessment of methodological quality was performed using the quality assessment for diagnostic accuracy studies instrument. Of the 6629 studies identified, ten met the criteria for inclusion. In these studies, the patients had a median age of 60-74 years and a median duration of diabetes of 9-24 years. Two studies reported exclusively on patients with symptomatic (ulcerated/infected) feet, two on patients with asymptomatic (intact) feet only, and the remaining six on patients both with and without foot ulceration. Ankle brachial index (ABI) was the most widely assessed index test. Overall, the positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of an ABI threshold <0.9 ranged from 2 to 25 (median 8) and <0.1 to 0.7 (median 0.3), respectively. In patients with neuropathy, the NLR of the ABI was generally higher (two out of three studies), indicating poorer performance, and ranged between 0.3 and 0.5. A toe brachial index <0.75 was associated with a median positive likelihood ratio and NLRs of 3 and ≤ 0.1, respectively, and was less affected by neuropathy in one study. Also, in two separate studies, pulse oximetry used to measure the oxygen saturation of peripheral blood and Doppler wave form analyses had NLRs of 0.2 and <0.1. The reported performance of ABI for the diagnosis of PAD in patients with diabetes mellitus is variable and is adversely affected by the presence of neuropathy. Limited evidence suggests that toe brachial index, pulse oximetry and wave form analysis may be superior to ABI for diagnosing PAD in patients with neuropathy with and without foot ulcers. There were insufficient data to support the adoption of one particular diagnostic modality over another and no comparisons existed with clinical examination. The quality of studies evaluating diagnostic techniques for the detection of PAD in individuals with diabetes is poor. Improved compliance with guidelines for methodological quality is needed in future studies.

Lower-extremity arterial revascularization: Is there any evidence for diabetic foot ulcer-healing?

The presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an important consideration in the management of diabetic foot ulcers. Indeed, arteriopathy is a major factor in delayed healing and the increased risk of amputation. Revascularization is commonly performed in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI) and diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), but also in patients with less severe arteriopathy. The ulcer-healing rate obtained after revascularization ranges from 46% to 91% at 1 year and appears to be improved compared to patients without revascularization. However, in those studies, healing was often a secondary criterion, and there was no description of the initial wound or its management. Furthermore, specific alterations associated with diabetes, such as microcirculation disorders, abnormal angiogenesis and glycation of proteins, can alter healing and the benefits of revascularization. In this review, critical assessment of data from the literature was performed on the relationship between PAD, revascularization and healing of DFUs. Also, the impact of diabetes on the effectiveness of revascularization was analyzed and potential new therapeutic targets described.

Negative pressure wound therapy is associated with up-regulation of bFGF and ERK1/2 in human diabetic foot wounds

Chronic foot wounds are a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization for patients with diabetes. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is known to promote healing of diabetic foot wounds, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We propose to gain molecular insights into the wound healing promoting signals underlying the effects of NPWT on diabetic foot wounds in humans. We assessed 30 patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Of these cases, 15 were treated with NPWT, while 15 patients were treated with traditional gauze therapy. Granulated tissue was harvested before and after treatment in both patient groups and histologically analyzed with hematoxylin & eosin as well as Masson's trichrome staining methods. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, previously associated with promoting cellular growth and/or wound healing. Unlike controls, the wounds in the NPWT-treated diabetic patients developed characteristic features of granulated tissue with increased collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical analysis also revealed an increase in bFGF levels in NPWT-treated patients. Western blot analysis further showed a significant up-regulation of bFGF and phosphorylated ERK1/2 protein levels in the NPWT-treated diabetic patients vs. controls. Our studies reveal that NPWT is associated with an up-regulation of bFGF and ERK1/2 signaling, which may be involved in promoting the NPWT-mediated wound healing response.

Early revascularization after admittance to a diabetic foot center affects the healing probability of ischemic foot ulcer in patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVES

There is limited information about whether time from recognition of decreased perfusion to revascularization affects the probability of healing in a patient with a diabetic foot ulcer. The aim of the present study was to examine whether time to revascularization after referral to a multidisciplinary foot center was related to the outcome of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes and severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

METHODS

Patients with diabetes, a foot ulcer, and a systolic toe pressure <45 mmHg or an ankle pressure <80 mmHg were prospectively included at the foot center, and considered for revascularization according to a preset protocol. All patients underwent invasive revascularization, either percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) or reconstructive vascular surgery. All patients had continuous follow-up until healing or death irrespective of the type of revascularization.

RESULTS

A total of 478 patients were included (age 74 [range 66-80] years, 60% males), of whom 315 patients (66%) had PTA, and 163 (34%) had reconstructive surgery. Of the 478 patients, 217 (45%) healed primarily, 88 (19%) healed after a minor amputation, 76 (16%) healed after a major amputation and 92 patients (19%) died unhealed. The median time from inclusion in the study to revascularization was 8 weeks (3-18 weeks). Time to vascular intervention within 8 weeks (p < .001), maximum Wagner grade reached <3 (p < .001), absence of peripheral edema (p = .033), and presence of intermittent claudication (p = .001) were related to a higher probability of healing.

CONCLUSIONS

Time to revascularization and extent of tissue damage were related to the probability of healing of ischemic foot ulcer in patients with diabetes over time. In the presence of a decreased perfusion in a patient with diabetes and a foot ulcer not only revascularization per se but also timing of revascularization is important for the possibility of healing without a major amputation.

The effects of sulodexide on both clinical and molecular parameters in patients with mixed arterial and venous ulcers of lower limbs

BACKGROUND

Mixed venous and arterial ulcers account for approximately 15%-30% of all venous leg ulcerations. Several studies have shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) play a central role in the pathophysiology of venous and arterial diseases. Some studies have shown the efficacy of glycosaminoglycans, such as sulodexide (SDX), in treating patients with leg ulcers. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical effects of SDX and its correlation with MMPs and NGAL expression in patients with mixed arterial and venous leg ulcers.

METHODS

Patients eligible for this study were of both sexes, older than 20 years, and with a clinical and instrumental diagnosis of mixed ulcer.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients of both sexes were enrolled and divided into two groups by means of randomization tables. Group A (treated group) comprised 18 females and ten males (median age: 68.7 years) treated with standard treatment (compression therapy and surgery) + SDX (600 lipoprotein lipase-releasing units/day intramuscularly) for 15 days followed by SDX 250 lipase-releasing units every 12 hours day orally for 6 months as adjunctive treatment. Group B (control group) comprised 17 females and eight males (median age: 64.2 years) treated with standard treatment only (compression therapy and surgery). The type of surgery was chosen according to anatomical level of vein incompetence: superficial venous open surgery and/or subfascial endoscopic perforating surgery. In all enrolled patients, blood samples were collected in order to evaluate the plasma levels of MMPs and NGAL through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These results were compared to another control group (Group C) of healthy individuals. Moreover, biopsies of ulcers were taken to evaluate the tissue expression of MMPs and NGAL through Western blot analysis. Our results revealed that SDX treatment is able to reduce both plasma levels and tissue expression of MMPs improving the clinical conditions in patients with mixed ulcers.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of MMPs could represent a possible therapeutic intervention to limit the progression of leg ulceration. In particular, our findings demonstrate the efficacy of SDX in patients with mixed arterial and venous chronic ulcers of the lower limbs.

Successful foot salvage with microvascular flaps in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Complex nontraumatic foot lesions often lead to major lower-limb amputation in diabetic patients. We aimed to evaluate outcome of free flap transfer in such cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 11 consecutive diabetic patients, hospitalized between 2007 and 2012 at a university central hospital for a free flap transfer, were followed until September 2013. Amputation-free survival, patient survival, and complete wound healing were defined as primary endpoints. Healing time of tissue lesions was analyzed. All pre- and postoperative data were retrospectively collected from hospital charts.

RESULTS

Complete tissue healing at 6 and 12 months after free flap transfer were 55% (6/11) and 82% (9/11), respectively. The median time to complete tissue healing was 123 days (range, 45-207 days). Overall limb salvage, survival, and amputation-free survival rates at 12 months were 90%, 91%, and 82%, respectively. The clinically important endpoint, namely, amputation-free survival with completely healed wounds, was attained in 9 of 11 patients at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Free tissue transfer enables successful wound healing and limb salvage rather than amputation in selected diabetic patients with difficult-to-heal wounds. Complete healing of tissue lesions is slow even after successful surgery. Preoperative assessment of the condition of patients is the key to success.

Peripheral arterial disease and bypass surgery in the diabetic lower limb

PAD is very common in people with diabetes and is one of the strongest predictors of developing nonhealing foot ulcers and suffering amputation. There is strong evidence to show that early detection of PAD and revascularization will reduce amputations. Despite this, many patients have no vascular assessment even when they present with a foot ulcer or before amputation. Even when identified, patients are referred late, which worsens their outcome. Currently there is no evidence to support surgical revascularization over endovascular treatments, but in reality the techniques are complementary and the choice of revascularization procedure should be determined by an experienced multidisciplinary vascular team. Surgical revascularization can achieve good results but careful patient selection, operative planning, and the use of autologous vein are necessary. What is clearly apparent is that at present not enough patients are being offered revascularization to prevent amputation.

Vascular Laboratory for Critical Limb Ischaemia

This is a narrative review on vascular assessment for critical limb ischaemia in the past and present combining Finnish and Japanese experience.

The path from art to evidence in treating critical limb ischaemia--reflections on 35 years' experience

Despite numerous attempts, chronic critical limb ischaemia (CLI) has not been unequivocally defined as yet. Its epidemiology is poorly investigated and its prevalence probably higher than anticipated. It is accompanied by high mortality and morbidity irrespective of the way it is treated. Its management is very expensive. Additionally, the prevailing diabetes epidemic is increasing the need for revascularizations although there is a clear lack of evidence as to when to revascularize an ulcerated diabetic foot. The fast development of endovascular techniques blurs the vision as the window of opportunity for gathering proper evidence keeps narrowing. The notion of endovascular artistry prevails, but attempts to conduct proper studies with clear definitions, strict criteria and appropriate outcome measures in a standardised manner should continue--preferably using propensity scoring if randomised controlled trials are not possible. This review highlights some of the steps leading from art to evidence and illustrates the difficulties encountered along the path. In parallel with this overview, the progress of the treatment for CLI in Finland is described from the perspective of the work concluded at Helsinki University Central Hospital.