The influence of the characteristics of ischemic tissue lesions on ulcer healing time after infrainguinal bypass for critical leg ischemia

Objective Ulcer healing is a seldom reported outcome in studies of critical leg ischemia (CLI). The aim of this study was to analyze local factors affecting ulcer healing time after infrainguinal bypass surgery (IBS) for CLI Fontaine IV. Methods In this prospective single center cohort study, 110 patients (113 legs) undergoing IBS due to CLI with ischemic tissue defects during year 2006 were followed prospectively for 1 year after the bypass. Ulcer location, duration, presence of gangrene, and the University of Texas wound classification (UTWCS) were determined at presentation. Healing time of the ischemic tissue defects, leg salvage, patency, and survival were calculated. The characteristics of the ischemic tissue lesions and patient comorbidities were analyzed to determine risk factors for adverse outcome. Results Complete ulcer healing (±SE) was achieved in 74% ± 5% of the legs 12 months after IBS. Median ulcer healing time was 186 days (range, 11 to >365 days). Leg salvage, secondary patency, and survival at 12 months were 87% ± 3%, 82% ± 4%, and 76% ± 5%, respectively. Amputation-free survival with healed ulcers was attained in 55% at 12 months. Ischemic tissue lesions located in the mid- and hindfoot had significantly prolonged ulcer healing time (hazard ratio [HR] 0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1 to 0.9, P = .044). None of the UTWCS classes predicted either ulcer healing time or leg salvage. Median ulcer duration before IBS was 68 days, range, 6 to 1154 days. Ulcer duration did not correlate with ulcer healing time (Spearman r = 0.138, P = .267). Ischemic ulcers with gangrene were not associated with prolonged ulcer healing time ( P = .353). Conclusion The location of the ischemic tissue lesions influences ulcer healing time. According to our study UTWCS can be used as descriptive classification of ischemic ulcers but it does not predict the ulcer healing time or leg salvage after infrainguinal bypass surgery.