Prediction of leg viability and amputation level by fluorescein uptake.
There is a continuous search for more reliable, locally non-invasive tests for prediction of leg viability and for the selection of amputation levels in dysvascular lower limbs. Refinement of the dermofluorometer by addition of a shielded probe and fibreoptic bundles has reduced the bulk of the instrument and permitted rapid testing. Excitation light is carried to the tissues and emitted fluorescence is returned to a photo multiplier. The Index of Fluorescein Uptake is 20-30 units in control areas. Healing is constant above 15 units, inconstant from 5 to 15 units, and absent below 5 units. Reliability has been virtually 10% in preliminary tests.
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation; D005452:Fluoresceins; D005470:Fluorometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D012039:Regional Blood Flow
D005452:Fluoresceins