Validation of a 1-mm transit time flow probe and the potential for use in microsurgery.
The objective of this study was to validate a prototype transit time ultrasound flow probe (Medi-Stim Butterfly Flowmeter BF 2004) of only 1 mm and to evaluate its potential for use in microsurgery. Knowledge of the ability of this kind of system to measure flow in small vessels and at small flow rates did not previously exist. The experimental design was an in vitro study using the median artery of 15-kg pigs. The vessel was perfused by the pigs' own heparinated blood, at a known flow rate, using a Gemini infusion pump. The infusion rate was increased stepwise, starting at 1 ml/min until 16 ml/min. Transit time flow was measured continuously. The results showed very accurate flow measurements at all flow rates when compared to the known infusion rate of the Gemini pump. However, at flow rates below 4 ml/min, variation became a problem.