Temperature load test to increase the accuracy of laser Doppler monitoring of flaps.

A heat and cold provocation test was evaluated in 10 porcine island flaps to improve the quality of monitoring flap circulation by the laser Doppler technique. When the pedicle blood flow was undisturbed there were significant increases in flow after a heat stimulus (p = 0.01), whereas no significant flow changes were noted during arterial or venous occlusion. This method can increase the accuracy of the laser Doppler technique in monitoring the circulation in skin flaps.