Measurement of flow dynamics in the microcirculation.

The measurement of flow in the microcirculation is based on the processing of optical signals derived from photometers onto which is projected the image of the microvessel under study. Reliable flow records can be obtained from capillaries up to vessels 100 micrometer in diameter. Television recordings of microvascular scenes provide additional data since flow in many capillaries can be determined simultaneously. A specialized correlator provides a dynamic response sufficient to quantify pulsatile flow, vasomotion, and the effects of physiological maneuvers. The methodology is presently being applied to studies in the human skin.