‐ Transcutaneous oxygen (tcpO2) measures the local released from
the skin through the capillaries, reflecting the metabolic state of the
lower limb.
‐ It is particularly useful for wound healing prediction, amputation
level determination and qualification for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
‐ Technically, the electrode heats the underlying tissue to create a local
hyperaemia, which intensifies the blood perfusion, increasing the
oxygen pressure. In addition, the heat will dissolve the lipid structure
of the dead, keratinized cells in the epidermal layer making the skin
permeable to gas diffusion. On its way the oxygen may be consumed
by the cells if the metabolism is high.