What is peripheral perfusion?

Peripheral perfusion refers to the circulation of blood to the peripheral tissues, including the skin, muscles, and organs. It supports the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the cells and tissues and removes waste products and carbon dioxide from the body through the venous system. Peripheral perfusion is largely dependent on the function of the heart, blood vessels, and blood flow, as well as the metabolic activity of the peripheral tissues. Impairments in peripheral perfusion can result in tissue damage, ischemia, and even organ failure in severe cases, and can be caused by various factors such as shock, hypotension, hypoxia, vascular disease, or trauma. Measuring peripheral perfusion is an essential part of monitoring patients in critical care settings and a key indicator of overall cardiovascular health. Techniques such as capillary refill time, venous filling time, and peripheral oxygen saturation are commonly used to assess peripheral perfusion in clinical practice.