Computer-assisted method for multi-exponential curve fitting for determining cerebral blood flow.

A computer program has been developed for use in determining cerebral blood flow using an inert radioactive gas. The basic algorithm involves the determination of multiple exponential coefficients from the complex concentration-time function. The exponential coefficients are determined by 'peeling' away slower exponentials complex function one at a time. The procedure involves the use of a small laboratory computer in the interactive graphics mode. The method is currently in use analyzing data in a cerebral vascular research laboratory.