In diabetic patients with ischaemia of the lower extremities and mediocalcinosis the diagnosis of ischaemia is still difficult. One of the methods which give an objective idea of the microcirculati- on is transcutaneous oximetry. In the submitted paper the authors explain the principle and problems of assessment with recommendations for the practical application of the method, in particular in indication for angiography of the lower extremities in the presence of the diabetic foot syndrome with regard to probable spontaneous healing of defects and application of the method for following up the effect of revascularization operations.

        Key words: Transcutaneous oximetry - Microcirculation - Ischaemia