The use of the ultrasound Doppler flowmeter in reconstructive microvascular surgery.
A method is described for predicting the outcome of experimental free flaps at the time of surgery using a directional ultrasound Doppler flowmeter. Tests of both arterial and venous anastomoses have been developed. Provided that both anastomoses are individually assessed, the technique is 100% accurate and is recordable. Spectral analysis of truly directional Doppler signals has provided knowledge of the peripheral resistance within a flap.
D000818:Animals; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012212:Rheology; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014465:Ultrasonics / Q000295:instrumentation; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation