VALUATION BY DYNAMIC TRANSCUTANEOUS OXYGE N-TENSION MEASUREMENT IN PATIENTS WITH INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION BEFORE AND AFTER REVASCULARIZATION - PROSPECTIVE-STUDY IN 15 PATIENTS

We evaluated the value of dynamic transcutaneous oxygen tension measur ement in 15 patients with Leriche stage II intermittent claudication t reated with vascular bypass procedures. Fifteen men, median age 60 yea rs (range: 37-72 years), were studied during six months; 19 limbs were revascularized: eight by angioplasty, II by patent graft. Claudicatio n perimeter and dynamic transcutaneous oxygen tension measurement were evaluated before and after revascularization. The TcPO2 was continuou sly measured with a multimodular Kontron Supermon at seven different s ites simultaneously: precordium (reference probe), thighs, calves and feet, in the dorsal recumbent position after 30 minutes rest, during a standardized exercise stress test at 50 W and during the recovery pha se. The results were expressed as index of surface defect (ISD). After revascularization, the duration of significant ischemia was significa ntly reduced (P < 0.001 thigh, calf, foot) in 14 patients. Dynamic tra nscutaneous oxymetry therefore seems to be a useful method in assessin g stage II occlusive peripheral arterial disease and the topography of tissue hypoxia. Dynamic transcutaneous oxymetry is helpful in the sur veillance after revascularization and guides the choice of specific tr eatment (angioplasty or patent graft) especially for multiple lesions.