Influence of fibre diameter and probe geometry on the measuring depth of laser Doppler flowmetry in the gastrointestinal application.

Abstract

The measuring depth of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) was studied in isolated segments of feline small intestine, using five probes having different fibre geometry, fibre core diameter and fibre centre separation. Recordings were made on the mucosal side at constant systemic blood pressure and venous outflow from the bowel segment. The insertion of a layer of unperfused intestine (average thickness 2.4 mm), between the probe and the perfused bowel wall, reduced the output signal from the flowmeter to an average of 42% of the initial value when a probe with large diameter fibres (700 microns) was used. No LD-signal was obtained through the unperfused tissue layer using the probes with small core diameter fibres (120 microns). Application of a mirror at the serosal surface opposite to the probe, resulted in an average increase of the output signal by 50% using the large fibre diameter probe, whereas no increase was observed with the small fibre probe. Probes based on intermediate fibre diameter and fibre centre separations, gave intermediate results in both experiments. It is concluded that the measuring depth of laser Doppler flowmetry in the gastrointestinal application is highly dependent on the fibre diameter and geometry of the probe. It is possible that, by taking into account these factors, probes may be constructed that are suitable for superficial and transmural measurements.