Table 3.

Excluded studies n = Number of Patients (Sample size)

Source	Type of study	n	Reasons for exclusion	Conclusion
Kudo et al	Retrospective	192	Different objective (procedure volume over different time-period and outcomes)	open revascularization for the treatment of CLI have been largely replaced by angioplasty procedures without compromising outcomes
Vinit et al		331	Review	Patients with CLI should be offered revascularization if the procedure can be tolerated and the patient is ambulatory and living independently preoperatively. Amputation should be considered if the above criteria is not met.
Goodney et al	Retrospective	2,031	<3 post-operative outcomes. Examined risk factors that predict amputation or graft occlusion within the first year following lower extremity bypass.	Risk factors can predict the risk of amputation and graft occlusion post-revascularization for CLI
Simons et al	Retrospective	513	Less than 3 post-operative outcome measures investigated (assessed predictors of clinical failure defined as amputation and worsening ischaemia at 1 year)	10% of patients with patent grafts at 1year still could not attain clinical success. One of the predictors of failure to attain clinical success was ESRD.
Rutherford et al			Review	The initial published standards for reporting post-operative outcome for CLI requires periodic revision
Gibbons et al	Retrospective	318	Qualitative study	Baseline health status is a predictor of post-operative functional recovery and well-being.
Kudo et al	Retrospective	111	Evaluated post-operative outcome (effectiveness) of only percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)	PTA is feasible, safe and effective for the treatment of CLI
Ambler et al	Retrospective	90	Evaluated only 1 outcome measure, ambulation	Poor pre-operative ambulation predict poor post-operative ambulation and long LOS
Total		3,586