The evaluation of small-vessel flow; a study of dynamic non-invasive techniques.

A series of thirty-three patients with a variety of vascular problems in the hands were studied by one or more of four dynamic non-invasive techniques. Such non-invasive techniques can be used for diagnostic studies as well as operative and postoperative monitoring. The techniques, which are safe, reliable, and easily interpreted at the bedside, offer methods by which monitoring of flow can be done repeatedly and provide reliable and painless means to identify cases of thrombosis in which early operation may be vital to save a hand or finger.