Laser-Doppler examination of the blood supply in pericranial flaps.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if there is evidence suggestive of blood flow within pericranial flaps.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

An index of blood flow using laser-Doppler blood flowmetry was obtained in pericranial flaps from 10 patients who were undergoing a coronal flap for reconstructive procedures. The data were analyzed using fast Fourier transformation to indicate the presence or absence of blood flow.

RESULTS

All but 1 pericranial flap showed evidence of blood flow within. Most flaps had blood flow even several centimeters distal to the origin of the flaps' pedicles.

CONCLUSION

The data clearly indicate that pericranial flaps contain at least some blood flow. However, the quantity of blood flow could not be assessed using this technology.