In vivo research of the blood flow in a mouse pressure ulcer model by using laser speckle contrast imaging

Pressure ulcer is a common condition for patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility. In this study, two models of pressure ulcer on mouse ears were established, and the blood flow after pressure ulcers was monitored using a Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) system. Maps of blood flow revealed that after a single 1.5-hour pressure ulcer on the mouse ear, the blood flow perfusion at the compressed area gradually recovered over time and essentially returned to normal by the fifth day. Conversely, with continuous daily pressure ulcers for 1.5 hours, the compressed area showed almost no perfusion by the fourth day, and the ulceration was fully formed by the 5th day. Compared to white light imaging, LSCI offers more precise monitoring of blood flow at pressure ulcer sites. The research solves the problem of dynamic functional monitoring of the blood flow velocity changes at spatial resolution. It provides a new technology for dynamic assessment of pressure ulcers and offers a new method for the care and treatment of clinical patients.