Etiology of decubitus ulcers using an animal model - A comparison of blood flow measurement method between point analysis and two-dimensional analysis

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, Laser Doppler perfusion monitoring probe is contacted with skin surface continuously. At the two-dimensional analysis, the scanning probe is not contacted with skin. Experimental phases are divided as 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 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.