ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD), transcutaneous oximetry at exercise (Ex-TcpO2) has been largely validated in research practice, but evidence of routine practice in various vascular laboratories is missing. We hypothesized that Ex-TcPO2 would change the diagnosis hypotheses, investigations and treatments for patients referred for exertional limb pain. MATERIAL & METHODS: A multicenter prospective trial was conducted in nine different referral centers. Investigators performed Ex-TcpO2 and recorded investigations and treatments already scheduled for the patient. We encoded referral physician's diagnostic hypothesis. Before Ex-TcpO2, vascular physicians were asked to give their diagnosis hypotheses. A minimal decrease from rest of oxygen pressure (DROP)Subject(s)
Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous
, Oxygen/blood
, Pain/complications
, Peripheral Arterial Disease/blood
, Peripheral Arterial Disease/diagnosis
, Aged
, Costs and Cost Analysis
, Exercise Test
, Female
, France
, Humans
, Lower Extremity/blood supply
, Male
, Middle Aged
, Peripheral Arterial Disease/therapy
, Prospective Studies