The use of transcutaneous oximetry in the noninvasive vascular laboratory

Transcutaneous oximetry is gaining worldwide acceptance as a simple and effective means of evaluating the cutaneous circulation. Oximetry involves the use of Clark-type electrically heated oxygen-sensing electrodes that are attached to the skin; various protocols for the performance of studies (utilizing exercise, oxygen inhalation, leg elevation, and various other maneuvers) have been developed which may improve the accuracy when used in certain settings. Applications for transcutaneous oximetry are found in areas such as: (1) diagnosis of disease, (2) quantification of disease severity, (3) prediction of healing potential for skin ulcers or amputation sites, (4) assessment of microvascular disease, and (5) determination of cutaneous vasomotor status. Transcutaneous oxygen tension serves as an index of the adequacy of skin blood flow, and therefore yields valuable "functional" information not provided by noninvasive "anatomical" testing modalities such as echo-doppler ultrasound imaging.