The usefulness of transcutaneous oximetry in assessing the success of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

Objective: to identify whether monitoring transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcpO2) can provide an objective method of assessing the results of PTA. Materials and Methods: fifty-seven patients (39 Fontaine stage II, 18 stage III or IV) had ABI, TcpO2 at rest (stages III and IV) or during exercise (stage II) and total work capacity of the leg (stage II) measured before, 24–48 h, 2 and 6 weeks after PTA. Results: a significant increase of ABI in both groups of patients was detected immediately after successful PTA. TcpO2 measured on the foot at rest increased in stages III and IV patients immediately after PTA (from 14 (IQR)18 to 25 (IQR)32 mmHg, p < 0.05) and again after 6 weeks in comparison to follow up two (from 25 (IQR)32 to 35 (IQR)21 mmHg, p < 0.05). In patients in stage II TcpO2 decreased in a typical fashion during exercise. Total oxygen drop was most evident before treatment (352 (IQR)458 s mmHg) and decreased significantly immediately after PTA (148 (IQR)175 s mmHg, p < 0.001). Conclusions: TcpO2 measurement is an useful method for investigating the success of PTA. While the macrocirculation improves immediately after successful recanalisation, complete normalisation of the microcirculation may take some weeks, especially stages III and IV disease.