TcPO2 values in limb ischemia: effects of blood flow and arterial oxygen tension

Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) is determined by blood flow and arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) and has been advocated as a measurement of tissue perfusion in peripheral vascular disease. The purpose of this study was to define the relationship between regional blood flow, PaO2, and TcPO2. TcPO2 sensors were placed on the skin of the anterior tibial regions of the hind limbs of 15 dogs. After occluding collateral blood flow, an external flow probe was placed around the femoral artery and an adjustable clamp was used to produce graded ischemia. Progressive reductions in blood flow were correlated with TcPO2 values at inspired oxygen concentrations (FiO2) of 0.21, 0.50, and 1.00. TcPO2 measured at room air decreased nonlinearly in relation to flow with a marked drop occurring below 20% of baseline flow. TcPO2 measured at increased FiO2 was dependent primarily on PaO2 at flow rates greater than 50% of baseline. With reduction in flow below 25% of baseline, TcPO2 was dependent solely on flow and was not augmented by increases in PaO2. The data suggest that TcPO2 can accurately reflect changes in blood flow to an extremity when flow is severely restricted.