Laser-Doppler flowmetry in neurosurgery.

Laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF) provides a reliable measurement of local cerebral blood flow (lCBF) as demonstrated by multiple validation studies. This article evaluates the clinical applications of LDF in neurosurgery. With the availability of modified probes, it is possible to carry out LDF monitoring of neurosurgical patients in the intensive care unit. Currently, there are multiple systemic and intracranial parameters that are interactive and separately monitored. A multi-channeled digital data acquisition system allows these data to be compiled in a single computer environment for the interpretation of lCBF changes. Guidelines are suggested for the clinical use of LDF monitoring, and the technical features of monitoring including the interpretation of data are summarized.