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.