Transcutaneous Oxygen Measurement (TCOM)

All living tissue must have adequate oxygen to survive. Some wounds or “sores” that do not heal despite treatment have insufficient oxygen to allow new cellular growth.

It is important to know that a problem of low oxygen exists in a wound early to avoid failed treatment.

The Vascular Diagnostic Center provides a simple test, transcutaneous oxygen measurement (TCOM) that can measure tissue oxygen tension. If the TCOM is over 40mmHg of oxygen, your physician will be aware that there is sufficient oxygen for the wound to heal. If TCOM is less than 40mmHg of oxygen increased tissue oxygen is necessary for healing.

We recommend TCOM early in the treatment of wounds. If less than 40mmHg of oxygen is found, a surgical graft or stent procedure to increase oxygen flow may be possible. After a vascular stent or bypass graft, the TCOM should show increased oxygen in the area of the wound if the procedure is successful.

In problem wounds in diabetic feet, radiated tissue, or chronic infection involving the bones, hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO) at a wound treatment center may allow wound healing and prevent loss of limb or loss life from infections or progressive gangrene.