Open lower extremity revascularization volume declined significantly nationally from 2012 to 2022, yet 30-day nonelective readmission rates remained stable at 15.6%.
Patients undergoing readmission more frequently presented with chronic limb-threatening ischemia and experienced substantially higher rates of major postoperative complications.
Independent predictors of increased readmission risk included female sex, Black race, and diagnosis of chronic limb-threatening ischemia.
The findings emphasize the critical need for standardized discharge protocols to reduce rehospitalization after this complex vascular surgery.
