Comparative Outcomes of Targeted Versus Nontargeted Angiosome Revascularization for Diabetic Foot Wounds Impact of Target Arterial Path on Wound Healing.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is strongly correlated with the development of critical limb ischemia, with a predilection for below-the-knee and below-the-ankle patterns of arterial disease. The angiosome concept, described as a potential framework for targeted revascularization in critical limb ischemia, has generated divergent opinions over the last decades. This study aims to evaluate the implication of angiosome-targeted revascularization in wound healing in diabetic patients.

METHODS

This is a single-center retrospective study including diabetic patients with ischemic ulcers admitted for invasive vascular study and revascularization between January and December 2019. The primary outcome was to evaluate the impact of angiosome-targeted revascularization in wound healing. Limb-based patency and amputation-free survival according to Global Limb Anatomic Staging System stage and revascularization procedures were considered secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Data from 117 limbs of 114 diabetic patients with neuroischemic diabetic foot were evaluated. There was no significant difference between targeted and nontargeted angiosome-revascularization in wound healing at 12 months. However, angiosome-targeted revascularization was associated with shorter healing times. The severity of the infection was the only variable with an impact on healing time. Endovascular surgery did not show inferior patency to open surgery, even in patients with more complex arterial disease (GLASS III).

CONCLUSIONS

Although angiosome-guided revascularization did not demonstrate significantly higher healing rates at 12 months, there appears to be a trend toward faster healing.