Blood velocity measurements using laser speckle imaging

Blood velocity measurements in the skin of pigs are reported. Measurements were obtained using laser speckle contrast analysis with a multiple scattering correction. Laser speckle contrast analysis is a rapid technique for obtaining a velocity mapping of perfused tissue. Measurements of blood velocity in pig skin were obtained using a laser and a monochrome digital camera. Blood velocities were measured in tissue prior to and after elevation of flaps. The effect of Iloprost and nitroglycerine on local blood velocity was also examined in nonexcised tissue.

I. Introduction

The assessment of capillary blood flow is important for many medical procedures and conditions. This paper reports the innovative use of an optical imaging technology for realtime perfusion monitoring of skin tissues. Detection of changes in tissue vascular structure using optical methods offers a means for regular, noninvasive, and safe monitoring of patients. This technology can be applied to assess surgical procedures such as flaps, the treatment of vascular disease, the condition of diabetic complications, and the progression of tumors, both malignant and benign. It has potential for assessing the condition of organs for transplant surgery.