Evaluation of ischemic damage in the skeletal muscle with the use of electrical properties

We performed experimental and clinical studies with measurement of electric al character in the skeletal muscle to assess ischemic damage and reperfusi on injury in lower limbs. In 14 dogs, the bilateral hind limbs were squeezed at the inguinal region t o make ischemia and they were reperfused after various intervals. Conductiv ity (G) of the skeletal muscles in hind limbs was measured with an LCR mete r, which is an impedance analyzer. Change of G from 0 to 3 h of reperfusion (Delta 3G) was calculated. G was decreased during ischemia and increased a fter reperfusion, In those whose Delta 3G as more than 2.1 mS/cm, serum cre atine kinase and aldolase at 10 h after reperfusion were correlated signifi cantly (P < 0.01) to Delta 3G. In patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (N = 3), arteriosclerosis obl iterans (N = 1), or acute arterial occlusion (AAO, N = 1), G of lower extre mities was measured from arterial clamp to declamp. Conductivity markedly i ncreased after reperfusion and serum creatine kinase was the highest in the patient with AAO. We suggested that measurement of G may provide monitoring of ischemic and r eperfused phase injury in the skeletal muscle and may be applicable to pred iction of the skeletal muscular reperfusion injury. (C) 1998 Academic Press .