LASER-DOPPLER FLOWMETRY IN NEUROSURGERY

Laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF) provides a reliable measurement of local cerebral blood flow (lCBF) as demonstrated by multiple validation stu dies. This article evaluates the clinical applications of LDF in neuro surgery. With the availability of modified probes, it is possible to c arry out LDF monitoring of neurosurgical patients in the intensive car e unit. Currently, there are multiple systemic and intracranial parame ters that are interactive and separately monitored. A multichanneled d igital data acquisition system allows these data to be compiled in a s ingle computer environment for the interpretation of lCBF changes. Gui delines are suggested for the clinical use of LDF monitoring, and the technical features of monitoring including the interpretation of data are summarized.