Wound healing assessment of diabetic ulcers

Diabetic ulcers are the most common cause to lower extremity amputation. 85% of all amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer. To prevent amputation, it is important to diagnose and treat the ulcer as early as possible. One of the most important factors relating to the outcome of a diabetic foot ulcer is peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Ischemia has to be excluded.^1-2

Falsely elevated ABI (ankle brachial index) values due to calcified vessels, makes the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease in diabetics difficult. In addition, neuropathy renders conventional parameters such as pain and temperature of the foot, unreliable. Therefore, objective tests such as toe pressure and transcutaneous oxygen (TCOM) are warranted. It is also well known that skin microcirculation is an important factor in the wound healing process. Again, methods such as toe pressure, transcutaneous oxygen and heat-controlled laser Doppler have proven valuable to predict outcome of disease.^1-2

The Vascular Lab – PeriFlux System 5000 offers a streamlined, all-in-one solution for vascular assessment in patients with diabetic ulcers. Using the same instrument and the same software, high-quality diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease and the status of the skin microcirculation, can be assessed using objective methods such as toe pressure, transcutaneous oxygen (TCOM) and heat-controlled laser Doppler.

 
1. Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC II)

2.International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot and Practical Guidelines on the Management and Prevention of the Diabetic Foot

Learn more how Dr Caroline Fife uses transcutaneous oxygen in clinical practice by watching the video below.