Overcoming the
Diffusion Barrier
•100% oxygen via a non-re-breather face mask (flow usually set at 15 liters per minute).
•In normal subjects, TcPO2 values on the extremity always increase to a value > 100 mmHg.
•Such an oxygen response indicates that significant macrovascular disease is unlikely.
•A TcPO2 < 30 mmHg is consistent with severe arterial disease
