Method for intraoperative assessment of organ perfusion and viability using a miniature oxygen sensor.

A specially designed miniaturized Clark polarographic electrode was used to measure organ surface oxygen tension during surgical operations in 10 patients as a means of determining tissue perfusion and viability. When applied to organ surfaces, the sensor noninvasively provides real-time assessment of tissue PO2. Values obtained are dependent on both arterial PO2 and local blood flow and therefore may be used to quantitatively assess local oxygen delivery (perfusion). Measured values may be compared with arterial PO2 or to areas of certain normal perfusion on the same organ to better define the adequacy of local oxygen transport. Tissue temperature is independently measured and may be used to assess the metabolic activity of the tissue monitored. Organ surface oximetry using the miniature PO2 sensor is a practical and repeatable method for the intraoperative assessment of organ perfusion and viability.