CUTANEOUS LASER-DOPPLER FLOWMETRY - APPLICATIONS AND FINDINGS

Objective: To examine the historical development, evolution, strengths and weaknesses, and applications (current and future) of laser Dopple r flowmetry (LDF). Design: A review and summary of the literature on t he cutaneous uses and successful applications of LDF are presented as well as a brief discussion of the noncutaneous and nonvascular applica tions. Material and Methods: LDF measures Doppler-shifted quantities o f reflected laser light at a superficial level to determine cutaneous and noncutaneous microcirculatory flux of erythrocytes. LDF is noninva sive and inexpensive. Results: This relatively recent technologic deve lopment has shown considerable potential as a tool for evaluating the cutaneous circulation. Although early studies suggested that LDF had s ubstantial difficulties with sampling, stability, and reproducibility, subsequent refinements in equipment and application have led to techn ical acceptability. Conclusion: LDF seems to be particularly valuable for assessing the microcirculation and real-time changes in skin blood flow. It has been used successfully in many investigations of the cut aneous and noncutaneous blood flow in patients with fixed or vasospast ic vascular disorders, neuropathies, tumors, or ulcers as well as thos e who have undergone intestinal, orthopedic, or plastic surgical proce dures.