Monitoring tissue perfusion during extracorporeal circulation with laser speckle contrast imaging

Objective: The laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system is a method to evaluate microcirculation. The primary aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between LSCI and perfusion markers in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Our second aim is to investigate the relationship between LSCI and extubation time in the intensive care unit. Patients and Methods: Fifteen patients aged 43-80 years who will undergo on-pump CABG were included in the prospective study. Mean arterial pressure (mmHg), heart rate (min-1), PO2 (mmHg), PCO2 (mmHg) and lactate (mmol/L) levels were measured preinduction, post-induction, 10th minute of the extracorporeal circulation, post-crossclamp, and post-operatively. At the same time points, LSCI values from the skin were measured and recorded. The intubation times of the patients were also recorded. Results: There was no significant change in systemic tissue perfusion markers (P>0.05). LSCI perfusion values decreased significantly from induction and remained low until the end of surgery (P