Measuring Tissue Oxygen Levels to Diagnose and Treat Foot and Ankle Conditions
Transcutaneous Oximetry (TcPO2)
Transcutaneous oximetry (TcPO2) is a non-invasive method of measuring the oxygen level of the tissue below the skin. It is a valuable tool for podiatrists for diagnosing various foot conditions.
A TcPO2 device uses a small sensor that is placed on the skin over the area of interest. The sensor contains a tiny electrode that measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in the tissue. The results are displayed on a monitor in real time.
How does it work?
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Screen patients for Peripheral artery disease (PAD).
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Assess the severity of PAD and other vascular conditions.
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Monitor the progress of wound healing.
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Identify patients at risk for amputation.
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Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
How is TcPO2 used in podiatry practice?
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Non-invasive
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Painless
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Quick and easy to perform
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Can be used to monitor tissue oxygen levels over time
Why choose TcPO2 over other methods of measuring tissue oxygen levels?
Patients with,
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
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Diabetic foot ulcers
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Pressure sores
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Venous ulcers
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Impaired wound healing