Transcutaneous Oxygen Tension and Bradykinin Concentration During Rheocarna Therapy: Case Series

Introduction Rheocarna therapy is believed to improve circulation via vasodilation; however, few reports have evaluated peripheral circulation during treatment. Methods Bradykinin plasma concentration, blood pressure (BP), and transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO 2 ) were measured in two patients with chronic limb‐threatening ischemia during Rheocarna therapy. Results Case 1 (wound grade 1) exhibited stable, high TcPO 2 and no ulcer progression after 6 months. Case 2 (wound grade 2) showed a bradykinin spike and a drop in BP and TcPO 2 40 min after Rheocarna therapy initiation. However, TcPO 2 subsequently exhibited a marked improvement. Case 2 progressed to wound grade 3 after 6 months. Conclusion Although Case 2 exhibited a bradykinin rise and a drop in BP and TcPO 2 after treatment initiation, TcPO 2 recovered by the end of the therapy session; this is the first report to quantitatively demonstrate that Rheocarna was associated with peripheral circulation improvement. Accordingly, TcPO 2 may be a useful prognostic indicator.