Kinetic differences between macro- and microvascular measures of reactive hyperemia

Abstract

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We extend our understanding of macro- versus microvascular hemodynamics in humans, by using near-infrared diffuse correlation spectroscopy (micro-) and Doppler ultrasound (macro-) to characterize reperfusion hemodynamics following experimental manipulation of the ischemic stimulus and tissue perfusion pressure. Our results suggest kinetic differences between macro- and microvascular reperfusion are largely determined by differences in fluid mechanical energy (i.e., pressure, gravitational, and kinetic energies) between the two compartments, rather than inherent differences between the macro- and microvasculature.