Referral to a vascular surgeon is necessary when the wound's cause or healing barrier is a circulatory problem. Early identification of these cases prevents complications and may prevent amputation.
Urgent Referral Indicators:
- ABPI below 0.5: Severe ischemia — amputation risk. Needs assessment within days.
- Severe rest pain: Persistent foot pain especially at night — sign of critical ischemia.
- Cold pale foot without pulse: Acute occlusion needing emergency intervention.
- Gangrene: Black dead tissue — needs immediate surgical assessment.
Routine Referral Indicators:
- ABPI 0.5-0.79: Moderate arterial insufficiency — needs assessment and plan.
- Non-healing arterial ulcer: May need angioplasty or bypass to improve supply.
- Severe varicose veins: May need surgical or laser treatment for the root cause.
- History of DVT: Assessment to prevent chronic venous insufficiency.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we assess every patient and refer to vascular surgery when intervention unavailable at the center is needed.