Microvascular research
-
Microvascular research · Jul 1994
Spatial heterogeneity in normal skin perfusion recorded with laser Doppler imaging and flowmetry.
Spatial and temporal variations in forearm skin perfusion captured by laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDI) have been compared with topographic maps recorded by laser Doppler flowmetry. In order to determine the shortest LDI sampling time required at each measurement site, with an adequate signal-to-noise ratio and with the ability to display the heterogeneity in skin perfusion, the noise-limited resolution of the LDI system as well as various sampling times were tested. The noise-limited resolution for medium and high light intensities were less than 0.5% (temporal) and 0.3% (spatial) of full scale. ⋯ Small spots were selected in the areas and plotted versus time. Without provocation, the total perfusion changes at each spot showed large variations, but the relative perfusion levels between neighboring spots persisted. Provocation with heat increased the perfusion in all spots.