Utility of transcutaneous oxygen tension measurements in peripheral arterial occlusive disease

Abstract The use of transcutaneous oxygen tension (TCpO 2 ) measurements to objectively and noninvasively diagnose peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and to aid in the planning of vascular surgery was investigated. Thirty-two normal subjects and 100 patients with PAOD were studied. TCpO 2 values decreased with age; when normalized by measurements on the chest, they did not. Absolute and normalized values of TCpO 2 were equally effective in identifying the presence of PAOD and accurately characterized different degrees of severity (claudication vs. rest pain vs. impending gangrene; p 2 ≥38 mm Hg either preoperatively or after reconstruction; failure to heal in the absence of infection was associated with TCpO 2 ≤38 mm Hg. The need for revascularization was associated with TCpO 2 2 values was associated with success vs. failure of ulcer healing. TCpO 2 is a useful complement to standard hemodynamic tests in the diagnosis and management of PAOD and, in addition, provides some distinct advantages. (J VASC SURG 1984;1:362-71.)