[The peripheral perfusion pressure: a new non-invasive parameter for the circulatory monitoring of patients (author's transl)].

Heating of a skin area to a temperature of 42 degrees to 44 degrees C produces a certain physiological condition which induces maximal vasodilatation. Detailed experiments have shown that local peripheral vascular resistance of such an area remains constant for several hours. The flow in this area is proportional to the actual perfusion pressure. Relative flow was measured by means of a new type of electrode fixed to the skin like and ECG electrode, and compared with simultaneous intra-arterial blood pressure measruements. The changes in arterial blood pressure were also recorded by the skin electrode. This new parameter is defined as "peripheral perfusion pressure". It is appropiate for non-invasive continuous monitoring of the circulatory system of patients.