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LightNeedle - RJ Laser

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ment A 1 of the ACA was exposed to ultrasonic waves at<br />

a depth of 58 to 88 mm. The flow direction in the ACA<br />

was opposite from the ipsilaterally applied probe. The<br />

PCA was exposed to ultrasonic waves between 60 and<br />

78 mm and the flow direction in segment Pl was<br />

directed towards the probe.<br />

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)<br />

The NIRS method allows the monitaring of changes in<br />

cerebral oxygenation through the intact skull, and is<br />

gaining importance in acupuncture research because of<br />

its non i nvasiveness2,6, 17,28=-30,34,36,37.<br />

One equipment für this fjeld of research is the NIRO<br />

300 Monitor (Hamamatsu Photonics, Japan). Measurement<br />

values such as changes in oxyhemoglobin<br />

(AO2Hb) and desoxyhemoglobin (AHHb) are determined<br />

by Lambert-Beer's Principle3,37. With this system,<br />

changes in parameters can be measured absolutely<br />

(Jlmolar), however, the niveau (absolute concentration)<br />

at which these changes (in positive ar negative direction)<br />

occur cannot be determined. As lang as no change in<br />

concentration takes place, the measurement value is<br />

zero. Using a silicone holder, the application of the<br />

probe (emitter and near-infrared detectors) on the head<br />

is simple. Data reproduction of AO2Hb and AHHb was<br />

düne with a color LCD-display and color printer.<br />

2 Neurological Research, 2003, Volume 25,<br />

Volunteers and procedure<br />

Twenty-two healthy volunteers, mean age 24.4 :f: 2.6<br />

years (21-29 years) were examined with LDF and<br />

temperature monitoring. At the time of measurement,<br />

the volunteers were informed about the procedure, were<br />

not under influence of medication and gave their written<br />

consent. In addition, thermography imaging was performed<br />

on two volunteers. This study was approved by<br />

the Ethics Committee of the University of Graz, Austria<br />

(<strong>Laser</strong>needle@-Stimulation; 13-048 ex 02/03).<br />

Continuous measurement of microcirculation parameters<br />

and temperature at the right hand were initiated,<br />

after a resting period of 10 min. When the 'steady-state'<br />

condition was reached, acupuncture point Hegu (Li.4)<br />

on the right hand was stimulated with a laserneedle@.<br />

After cleaning the skin with alcohol, the laserneedle@<br />

was fixed at the acupuncture point with special adhesive<br />

tape. A semi-conductor with an emitting wavelength of<br />

680 nm was used as light source. <strong>Laser</strong> intensity was<br />

rv60 mW.<br />

The LDF-tem~erature probe was applied 1 cm from<br />

the laserneedle .This distance was selected in the<br />

infrared range of 1 cm, based on the given geometric<br />

dimensions of the probe holder and the supposed optic<br />

penetration depth. In addition, temperature at the<br />

measurement point as weil as room temperature were<br />

determined for comparison.

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