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 19: 485–493, 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 ventricle’s 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 = 0.986–0.962, 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.