LASER-DOPPLER FLOWMETRY IN THE HYPERBARIC ENVIRONMENT

Continuous monitoring of laser Doppler (LD) flowmetry was performed in eight healthy volunteers (mean age 42.0 +/- 12.1 yr; range 25-62 yr) before, during and after hyperbaric oxygenation ([HBO at 2.5 and 1.95 ATA (atmosphere absolute)]). Two models of the discrimination analysis are presented which allow classification, resulting fi-om the paramet er obtained by the LD flowmetry. The results show that 100% separation of the LD data under HBO at 2.5 and 1.95 ATA including five parameter s can be achieved with the first model. The second model for the analy sis of four different phases with eight parameters still shows an obvi ous separation; however, only 75% of the group integration is correct. In addition to transcutaneous PO, measurements, which are sometimes d ifficult to obtain perfectly, LD parameters will be of interest; to ma nage HBO treatment, especially when peripheral circulation is reduced.