The blood flow measurements at ischemic area of rabbit´s decubitus ulcer model

The purpose of this study has been to clarify the effect of sustained compression on skin surface blood flow at the edema stage and flare in the initial phase of decubitus ulcer formation with the use of rabbit ears. Experimental protocol is compared between point analysis and two-dimensional analysis. At the point analysis, a laser Doppler perfusion monitoring probe is contacted with the skin surface continuously. At the two-dimensional analysis, the scanning probe is not contacted with the skin. Experimental phases are divided as following: 1) initial (pre-compression), 2) edema, 3) compression and 4) release from compression. The results are the following: 1) At the point analysis, it has been measured blood flow rate continuously on a point from initial phase to release from compression phase. 2) When it has compared two protocol, it was observed similar blood flow changes. 3) From results of two-dimensional analysis, during the compression phase and during release from compression, the blood flow rate in the peripheral part of the compressed area was found to change proportionately to the applied compressive load.