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Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography of Retinal Circulation
Published on: September 18, 2012
A novel, microscope based, non-invasive laser Doppler flowmeter for choroidal blood flow assessment
C Strohmaier1, R M Werkmeister, B Bogner
1Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Haupstrasse 48, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
Experimental Eye Research
|March 30, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a new non-invasive Laser Doppler Flowmeter (NI-LDF) for measuring choroidal blood flow. This novel device shows accurate and stable performance, correlating well with existing methods for ocular blood flow assessment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Impaired ocular blood flow contributes to diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Accurate measurement of choroidal blood flow is crucial for understanding and managing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel, microscope-based, non-invasive Laser Doppler Flowmeter (NI-LDF).
- To assess the NI-LDF's capability for measuring blood flow in the choroid.
Main Methods:
- The custom-made NI-LDF was compared against a commercial fiber optic laser Doppler flowmeter (Perimed PF4000).
- Instrument linearity and stability were tested using a silastic tubing model at various flow rates.
- Simultaneous choroidal blood flow measurements were conducted in a rabbit model, altering ocular perfusion pressure.
Main Results:
- The NI-LDF demonstrated linear correlation with intraluminal flow rates in the tubing model (r=0.99, p<0.05) and maintained stability over a 1-hour measurement.
- Rabbit choroidal blood flow measurements by the NI-LDF and PF4000 showed a strong linear correlation (r=0.99, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- The NI-LDF offers valid, semi-quantitative measurements of capillary blood flow.
- This novel instrument is suitable for assessing blood flow at the posterior pole of the eye.
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