The preoperative “route” of patients and the causes of delay in revascularization for acute lower limb ischaemia

Prompt revascularization in acute limb ischaemia (ALI) is an important measure to increase the limb salvage rate. The aim of the present research was to study the “route” of patients with ALI of the lower extremities from the onset of the first symptoms until revascularization procedure with the highlighting of the factors that condition its retention. The median value of the time interval “onset of ALI - calling for medical assistance” was 18 (IQR 4-71) hours; “request for medical help - initiation of anticoagulant treatment” – 2.5 (IQR 1-5) hours; “request - hospitalization” – 1 (IQR 1-2) hour; “hospitalization - revascularization” – 3.7 (IQR 2-8) hours. The most important factor that determined the delay of revascularization was the patient’s late referral for medical assistance. However, the time interval since the onset of ALI should not be considered an independent criterion for determining the treatment strategy and the chances of limb salvage.