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Steady-state analysis and evaluation of a new thermal sensor for surface measurements of tissue perfusion

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Abstract

The steady-state response and operating characteristics of a new thermal sensor for surface measurements of local tissue perfusion have been analyzed theoretically and evaluated in vivo. The flow measurement system incorporates an electrically isolated thin-film thermal sensor, which is maintained at a fixed temperature by high frequency response electronic circuitry. The sensor rests on the tissue surface, and the power required to maintain a fixed probe to tissue temperature elevation is measured and related to tissue blood flow. A theoretical analysis of the steady-state probe response to flow changes was carried out employing the bio-heat-transfer equation and a solution based on Fourier series to describe the temperature distribution within the tissue domain. A comparison of steady-state theory to results obtained from initial experimental tests on the surface of the dog heart, over a perfusion range 0.51 to 2.00 ml/min/g, shows close agreement. The probe demonstrates good sensitivity to flow changes, provides stable and continuous measurements, and appears promising for both research and clinical applications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering Institute, Columbia University, 351 Engineering, 10027, New York

    Frank S. Castellana, Richard Skalak, John M. Cho & Robert B. Case

  2. Biomedical Engineering Center and Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, 10027, New York, New York

    Frank S. Castellana, Richard Skalak, John M. Cho & Robert B. Case

Authors
  1. Frank S. Castellana
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  2. Richard Skalak
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  3. John M. Cho
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  4. Robert B. Case
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Castellana, F.S., Skalak, R., Cho, J.M. et al. Steady-state analysis and evaluation of a new thermal sensor for surface measurements of tissue perfusion. Ann Biomed Eng 11, 101–115 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02367494

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