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Laser Dopplers to determine cutaneous blood flow
Christine M Choi1, Richard G Bennett
1White Memorial Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Summary
Laser Dopplers can quantify superficial skin blood flow, aiding in the study of wound healing and the assessment of skin flaps and grafts. These devices offer valuable insights into dermatologic applications.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Assessment
Background:
- Laser Doppler technology offers a method for assessing relative superficial skin blood flow.
- Potential applications include evaluating blood flow in healing wounds, flaps, and grafts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the underlying principles and available types of laser Doppler devices.
- To explore their utility in dermatologic applications.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of existing scientific literature was conducted.
Main Results:
- Laser Dopplers demonstrate broad potential in dermatologic surgery and general dermatology.
- Quantification of blood flow allows for the study of wound healing progression over time.
- However, clinical assessment remains the primary method for predicting skin flap and graft viability.
Conclusions:
- Laser Doppler devices provide an additional, quantifiable method for assessing superficial cutaneous blood flow.
- This technology can be beneficial for research into wound healing and the evaluation of flap and graft healing processes.