Estimation of the determinants of transcutaneous oxygen tension using a dynamic computer model.

A dynamic model for oxygen transport within the outer layers of the skin and a tcPO2 sensor has been developed. By comparing model simulations with clinical measurements from adults, it is possible to analyze some of the physiologic and physical determinants of the tcPO2 measurement. The results indicate that the permeability of the epidermis is a significant parameter when using a microcathode sensor. Using this model, the values obtained for normalized stratum papillare blood flow and metabolic oxygen consumption of the dermis are higher than those seen for other models.