Aims: 

In case of illuminating living tissue layer by laser light the backscattered photons create an interference pattern (speckle). The contrast change of the speckle image is proportional to the red blood cell velocity. Based on this concept laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) is capable method for the real-time assessment of tissue blood flow. Aim of the study: demonstration of the potential clinical applications of laser speckle contrast analysis, presentation of preliminary results.

Methods: 

In our hospital in the department of angiology and interventional radiology we have got the opportunity to test a PeriCam PSI system (Perimed, Sweden) between November 2010 and February 2011. We focused on clinical scenarios when real-time follow up of microcirculation might have additional benefit compared to the present clinical practice.

Results: 

The method was tested in course of infrapopliteal endovascular procedures, prostanoid treatment of critical limb ischemia, arteriovenous shunt formation of the upper extremities and investigation of palmar circulation disturbances. The detected perfusion gain in course of prostanoid infusion or endovascular procedures was 20–80%. Our imaging and computional results are shown as individual measurements.

Conclusion: 

Although because of the small sample size no statistical analysis could have been performed, our individual results facilitate further investigations. According to our view this technique represents benefit over the present clinical practise by detecting real-time perfusion changes due to endovascular or drug interventions. Laser speckle contrast analysis is a promising tool of clinical investigations in vascular medicine.