[Usefulness of transcutaneous oximetry in vascular surgery]

The assessment is presented of the value of transcutaneous oximetry in vascular surgery and in choosing the level of ischaemic limb amputation. Transcutaneous measurements of oxygen pressure (tcp02) were performed in 172 patients operated on for chronic ischaemia of the lower limbs before and three weeks after the operation. The studied subjects had the following operations done: bifurcated or unilateral aortofemoral bypass, femoropopliteal bypass, restoration of patency of the iliac and femoral arteries, lumbar sympathectomy, lower limb amputation. The studies were carried out using Hellige SM 361 oxymonitor and a similar Polish device. For oximetric measurements superficial skin sensor (Clark's polarographic electrode) was used, which was applied into the dorsum of the foot and medial crural surface. Transcutaneous oximetry seems to be a useful method for the assessment of the results of operations restoring blood flow in lower limb arteries. It makes possible to evaluate the results of lumbar sympathectomy. Transcutaneous measurements of oxygen pressure are also a useful method for the assessment of results of amputation of chronically ischaemic lower limb.