Continuous regional myocardial blood flow measurement: validation of a near-infrared laser Doppler device in a porcine model.

Please cite this paper as: Bierbach B, Scheewe J, Derfuss T, Krug A, Schramm R, Dahm M, Kuroczynski W, Kempski O, Horstick G. Continuous regional myocardial blood flow measurement: validation of a near-infrared laser Doppler device in a porcine model. Microcirculation similar to 19: 485493, 2012. Abstract Objective: RMBF measurement is a major concern in various clinical and experimental settings, but no validated device for RMBF is currently available. Methods: An LVP-triggered laser Doppler to measure RMBF was validated by simultaneous fluorescent MS RMBF in a porcine LAD flow reduction model (n = 10 pigs). The laser probe was positioned on the left ventricles anterior wall. LAD blood flow reduction was achieved by a shaft-driven occluder positioned proximal to the transit-time flow meter measuring coronary blood flow. RMBF was measured at baseline; after the reduction of LAD blood flow to 70% and 30% of baseline; at 20 and 120 minutes of reperfusion; and, finally, 15 minutes after LAD occlusion. Results: Laser Doppler RMBF (LDU) correlated strongly with MS RMBF under all tested conditions: baseline (epicardial 194.7 +/- 41.9, endocardial 130.2 +/- 29.2); 70% baseline-flow (epicardial 160.4 +/- 27.7, endocardial 112.1 +/- 15.1); 30% baseline-flow (epicardial 44.3 +/- 5.5, endocardial 32.9 +/- 9); 20 minutes reperfusion (epicardial 175.8 +/- 33.6, endocardial 126.5 +/- 30); 120 minutes reperfusion (epicardial 146.3 +/- 31.1, endocardial 107.1 +/- 29.7); and complete LAD occlusion (epicardial 10.5 +/- 5.8 endocardial 1.4 +/- 0.3) (r = 0.9860.962, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This new blood pressure waveform-triggered laser Doppler probe is able to measure RMBF at different depths online in the beating heart.