Clinical value of transcutaneous oxygen tension

Since the early 80’s transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) has progressively become a highly valuable tool in clinical practice to evaluate patients with severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). The TcPO2 provides a simple and noninvasive index of the cutaneous nutritional circulation. The normal TcPO2 value on the dorsum of the foot is > 40 mmHg. In patients with PAOD, a TcPO2 20 mmHg indicates sufficient tissular oxygenation and is associated with a better prognosis. It usually allows a skin ulcer to heal.