Laser Doppler flowmetry in lower extremity ischemia: application and interpretation.

The present study was undertaken in order to develop numerical criteria for the parameters of laser Doppler flowmetry-skin blood flow velocity and pulse wave amplitude in the evaluation of lower extremity ischemia. Fifty limbs of young healthy volunteers were examined in order to obtain baseline normal values. Patient population was divided into moderately ischemic (52 limbs) and severely ischemic (22 limbs), based on patients' complaints, physical examination, ankle-brachial indices, pulse volume recordings and arteriographies.