Systems and methods for pedal revascularization assessment

Abstract

Diffuse optical flow (DOF) sensors can be used to assess deep tissue flow. DOF sensors positioned on a foot can provide fluctuating light intensity data to an analyzer, which can then determine absolute and/or relative blood flow. The determined absolute and/or relative blood flow can be signaled to an operator, for example a surgeon for intra-operative use. DOF sensors may be utilized to assess pedal revascularization, for example to guide interventional procedures and to evaluate their efficacy. A support structure can carry a plurality of DOF sensors, such that when the support structure is placed onto a patient's foot, the DOF sensors are disposed adjacent different locations on the foot. The different locations may correspond to different topographical regions of the foot, for example different pedal angiosomes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for assessment of peripheral blood flow during peripheral vascular intervention, the system comprising:
 a support structure configured to be positioned onto a patient's foot;   a diffuse optical flow (DOF) sensor carried by the support structure;   an analyzer configured to analyze data from the DOF sensor to determine absolute and/or relative blood flow at a location near the DOF sensor when the support structure is positioned onto the patient's foot; and   a feedback device configured to provide a signal indicative of the absolute and/or relative blood flow determined by the analyzer.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a retention ring and an adhesive material. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a strap having the DCS sensor attached thereto. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises surgical tape. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the DOF sensors are arranged such that when the support structure is positioned onto the patient's foot, at least two of the DOF sensors are over different topographical locations in the foot including different pedal angiosomes. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the DOF sensors are arranged such that when the support structure is positioned over the patient's foot, at least five of the DCS sensors are over different topographical locations in the foot including different pedal angiosomes. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the analyzer comprises a software autocorrelator. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the analyzer comprises a hardware autocorrelator. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the signal indicative of the absolute and/or relative blood flow is visual, audible, or tactile. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to provide the signal indicative of the absolute and/or relative blood flow in substantially real-time. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the system is configured to provide the signal indicative of the absolute and/or relative blood flow within 1 second from measurement. 
     
     
         12 . A method for real-time assessment of peripheral blood flow during peripheral vascular intervention procedures, the method comprising:
 disposing at least one diffuse optical flow (DOF) sensor adjacent to a location on a foot of a patient;   obtaining measurements of intensity fluctuation from the DOF sensor;   analyzing the obtained measurements to determine an absolute and/or relative blood flow rate at the location; and   signaling the determined absolute and/or relative blood flow rate to an operator.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein disposing the at least one DOF sensor comprises placing a support structure onto the foot of the patient, the DOF sensor being carried by the support structure. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising disposing a plurality of DOF sensors adjacent to a respective plurality of locations on the foot of the patient. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of locations comprises at least two locations corresponding to different topographical locations in the foot including different pedal angiosomes. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of locations comprises at least five locations corresponding to five different topographical locations in the foot including different pedal angiosomes. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the signaling comprises providing visual, audible, or tactile indicia of absolute and/or relative blood flow. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the signaling the determined absolute and/or relative blood flow rate to an operator is performed in less than 1 second from measurement. 
     
     
         19 . A method for assessment of peripheral blood flow during peripheral vascular intervention procedures, the method comprising:
 disposing a plurality of diffuse optical flow (DOF) sensors adjacent to a respective plurality of locations on an extremity of a patient, wherein at least two of the locations correspond to different topographical locations in the foot including different pedal angiosomes;   determining an absolute and/or relative blood flow rates at each of the plurality of locations in the extremity of the patient; and   signaling the determined absolute and/or relative blood flow rates to an operator.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the extremity is a foot.