[Clinical evaluation of transcutaneous oxygen tension measurement for lower limb ischemia]

Transcutaneous oxygen tension (tcPO2) of superficial layer of the foot at 44 degrees C was studied preoperatively in 33 patients (38 legs) with arteriosclerosis (ASO) or thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). The cases were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 3 legs, amputated. The second group consisted of 35 legs, not amputated but receiving such treatments as arterial bypass, lumbar sympathectomy or conservative therapy. The tcPO2 index was calculated by dividing the tcPO2 of the chest wall by the tcPO2 of the foot. The value of the tcPO2 of the chest decreased in proportion to the advance of age. There was no significant differences in the tcPO2 indices between ASO and TAO, nor among different sites of peripheral vascular occlusion. On the other hand, as the grade of Fontaine classification increased, the tcPO2 index reduced, with significant difference between grade II and IV. The tcPO2 index of the amputated group was 0.08 +/- 0.04. In contrast, the tcPO2 indices of the lumbar sympathectomy, arterial bypass and conservative therapy groups were 0.74 +/- 0.18, 0.84 +/- 0.12 and 0.74 +/- 0.13, respectively. There was significant difference between the amputated and non-amputated groups. From our results, it is suggested that oxygen tension measured transcutaneously is a useful indicator for the decision of operative indication and surgical procedure.