['The aim of this study was to study the inflammatory response to open revascularization of an ischemic leg in terms of activation of white blood cells (WBC), platelets and endothelial cells.', 'prospective study.', 'Venous samples from 21 patients suffering critical limb ischemia (CLI) were drawn before, and 4 weeks after (20 patients) revascularization. Total WBC, differentiated WBC, and platelets were counted. Expression of CD11b/CD18 on granulocytes and monocytes and CD41 on platelets was measured by flow cytometry. Soluble endothelial markers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sP-selectin) were analysed with ELISA.', 'WBC and granulocyte count decreased in the subgroup of patients with ulcer and gangrene but no change in activation of WBC was recorded. The endothelial marker sICAM-1 decreased while VCAM-1 increased following surgery, most evident in the subgroup with ulcers and gangrene.'] Is systemic white blood and endothelial cell response after revascularization of critical limb ischemia only influenced in case of ischemic ulcers?