Blood velocity measurements using laser speckle imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Physiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Assessing microvascular blood flow is crucial in various physiological and pathological conditions.
• Laser speckle contrast analysis (LSCA) offers a non-invasive method for real-time tissue perfusion monitoring.
• Understanding blood velocity dynamics in skin is vital for surgical procedures and therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report blood velocity measurements in porcine skin using LSCA.
• To evaluate the impact of surgical flap elevation on local blood flow.
• To investigate the vasoactive effects of Iloprost and nitroglycerine on cutaneous blood velocity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized laser speckle contrast analysis (LSCA) with multiple scattering correction for blood velocity mapping.
• Employed a laser and monochrome digital camera for data acquisition in porcine skin.
• Measured blood velocities in tissue samples before and after flap elevation.
• Examined the influence of topical Iloprost and nitroglycerine on non-excised skin.

Main Results:

• LSCA successfully provided velocity mapping of perfused pig skin.
• Blood velocity was altered following the elevation of surgical flaps.
• Local blood velocity showed changes in response to Iloprost and nitroglycerine application.

Conclusions:

• LSCA is a viable technique for quantifying blood velocity in skin.
• Flap elevation significantly impacts cutaneous microcirculation.
• Pharmacological agents like Iloprost and nitroglycerine modulate local blood flow in the skin.