Effect of arterial and venous pressures on transcutaneous oxygen tension

Abstract

The effect of changes in arterial and venous pressures on transcutaneous oxygen tension (tcPo₂) were studied in ten young subjects. The tcPo₂ electrode was mounted on the foot, and changes in blood pressures were induced by elevating and lowering the foot and by inflating a cuff around the thigh. tcPo₂ decreased gradually during elevation at a rate of 1% per mmHg reduction in arterial pressure. tcPo₂ increased during dependency and venous stasis, at a rate of 0.5% per mmHg increase in venous pressure. We propose that tcPo₂ is a function of the blood flow under the electrode, and that normal blood flow regulation is abolished in the heated tissue under the electrode.