Wound healing society 2014 update on guidelines for arterial ulcers

Abstract

The Wound Healing Society guidelines for the treatment of arterial insufficiency ulcers were originally published in 2006. These guidelines provided recommenda-tions, along with their respective levels of evidence on seven categories: diagnosis, surgery, infection control, wound bed preparation, dressings, adjuvant therapy, and long-term maintenance. Over the last 7 years, a great deal of literature regarding these aspects of arterial ulcer management has been published. An advisory panel comprised of academicians, clinicians, and researchers was chosen to update the 2006 guidelines. Members included vascular surgeons, internists, plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, emergency medicine physicians, and registered nurses, all with expertise in wound healing. The goal of this article is to evaluate relevant new find-ings, upon which an updated version of the guidelines will be based.