Retracted: A review of the clinical applications and performance of laser speckle contrast imaging

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a useful tool for visualizing full-field blood flow images. Speckle pattern is formed when a coherent light illuminates a rough object, and the backscattered radiation is transformed into images and be shown on a screen. Movement within the object results in the fluctuation of patterns over time. The same data can be obtained by employing the Doppler effect, yet producing a two-dimensional Doppler map needs scanning;speckle imaging renders the same information without the requirement to scan. Nowadays, LSCI has gained expanded consideration, in part because of its accelerated adoption for blood flow studies in the different surgical departments. Here we represent and review the application of laser speckle contrast methods to the field of perfusion visualization as clinical studies from various medical fields and discuss the limitations hindering clinical acceptance

Evaluation of a replanted finger and measuring its perfusion changes to predict its viability by laser speckle contrast imaging

Background:This research aims to monitor the microcirculation of the replanted finger, which was entirely severed by using laser speckle contrast imaging(LSCI)for early detection and revision of vascular compromise for successful finger replantation. Methods:These six months of research was taken for a survey of 40 cases of replanted fingers of patients of distinct ages and sex. Scrutinizing was done postoperatively by LSCI, every hourly for seven days, to assess changes in blood perfusion both in replanted fingers and healthy ones and analyzed graphically.Results:Initially, from postoperative d=0 to d=2, the perfusion value was at baseline, which ranged 40±15 perfusion unit (PU), showing a wave-like curve, then gradually increased up to 350±50 PU or above in case of those which survived successfully, showing continuous peak slope. However, a gradual drop in perfusion, <35 PU from d=2 or d=3, was seen in those despite undergoing heparinized finger pin-prick bleeding therapy and failed to thrive, showing a downslope curve. Whereas some were under meticulous observation, which flourished lately. Concurrently, a comparison was made with the healthy fingers’ of the same patient, ranging from 200±50 to as high as 400±50 or above. Clinical correlation, as well as perfusion readings of LCSI, were done simultaneously.Conclusions:LSCI provides sensitive and reproducible finger microcirculation measurements and is reliable in predicting reductions in blood perfusion induced by venous or arterial occlusion. It is, therefore, an informative device to detect microvascular compromise during and after replantation surgery

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty of pulmonary valve stenosis: state of the art and future prospects

This study is aimed to delineate readers with an overview of percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) of pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) and highlighting outcome based on influential and recent studies. It has been four decades since Kan et al first introduce PBPV. Since then, PBPV has recognized as a gold standard therapy for PVS of all ages. Nowadays, PBPV is practiced for a broad range of indication such as PVS, PV dysplasia and pulmonary atresia. Typically, PBPV is recommended when gradient across the PV is >50 mmHg. The procedure involves the placement of one or more balloon catheters across the stenotic PV with the guidance of a guidewire; thereafter, inflation of the balloons is done by pressure, thus producing valvotomy. Nowadays, PBPV is done by echocardiographic guidance, but previously, it was done by fluoroscopic guidance. The main disadvantage of fluoroscopy was the radiation injury of patients. The recently recommended balloon/annulus ratio is 1.2 to 1.25. Following the procedure, the dramatic reduction of pressure gradient, free motion of the PV leaflets with less doming, the rise of cardiac output have been noted, whereas complications may occur but are unusual and minimal. Significant predictors of restenosis include balloon/annulus ratio <1.2 and immediate post-PBPV gradient ≥30 mmHg. Only a few percentages of patients needed repeat PBPV. Long-term follow-up results are surprisingly excellent. In conclusion, it is our opinion that PBPV is equally successful in patients of all ages, while worldwide recognized studies prove the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness. However, for early detection of any complication, life-long clinical follow-up is mandatory.