Preliminary assessment of microcirculation in the ascending aorta in patients with normal and dilated ascending aorta using laser Doppler perfusion monitoring

<b>Background:</b> Microcirculation within the ascending aortic wall, supplied by the vasa vasorum, is increasingly recognized as a potential factor in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysms. However, in vivo assessment remains challenging. This pilot study aimed to evaluate ascending aort...

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Main Authors: Mikołaj Krysiak, Andrzej Łoś, Rafał Pawlaczyk, Mateusz Janeczek, Marcin Hellmann
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Medical University of Gdańsk 2025-07-01
Series:European Journal of Translational and Clinical Medicine
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Online Access:https://ejtcm.gumed.edu.pl/articles/205392.pdf
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Summary:<b>Background:</b> Microcirculation within the ascending aortic wall, supplied by the vasa vasorum, is increasingly recognized as a potential factor in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysms. However, in vivo assessment remains challenging. This pilot study aimed to evaluate ascending aortic microcirculation intraoperatively using Laser Doppler Perfusion Monitoring (LDPM). <b>Material and methods:</b> Twenty-four patients (18 males, 6 females) undergoing elective cardiac surgery were enrolled. LDPM was performed on the exposed ascending aorta prior to surgical manipulation. A probe was sutured to the aortic wall and perfusion was recorded in Perfusion Units (PU). A brief probe compression test was conducted to evaluate perfusion response. <b>Results:</b> The mean LDPM value was 281.58 PU (males: 339.94 PU; females: 139.86 PU). In males, LDPM negatively correlated with age (r = –0.593, p = 0.0121), whereas a moderate but non-significant correlation was noted with BMI (r = –0.303, p = 0.2366). No significant associations were observed with hypertension, diabetes, smoking, or aortic dilation. A paradoxical increase in PU during probe compression occurred in 54% of patients. <b>Conclusions:</b> LDPM provides real-time intraoperative assessment of aortic microcirculation. Age-related decline in perfusion may contribute to aortic wall vulnerability. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings.
ISSN:2657-3148
2657-3156