The effect of oxygen inhalation and intravenous naftidrofuryl on the transcutaneous partial oxygen pressure in ischaemic lower limbs.

The effect of oxygen inhalation at atmospheric pressure and Naftidrofuryl infusion (N) on the TCpO2 is shown. At the central control site--5 cm below the midclavicular line--oxygen inhalation produced a significant increase in TCpO2, whereas there was no change after Naftidrofuryl infusion. At the 10 cm below-knee site, there were significant rises after oxygen inhalation alone, Naftidrofuryl alone and both combined. The study was conducted on 20 patients (23 legs). It is suggested that this study can form the basis for a regimen to improve the viability of ischaemic limbs showing borderline TCpO2 readings, and increase the chances of a successful below-knee amputation.