OxyFlo™ &
OxyFlo™ Pro / Pro XL
Laser-Doppler tissue blood flow monitor/perfusion monitoring
System Overview
Perfusion by blood provides tissues with vital oxygen and nutrients, while removing waste products and distributing signaling molecules around the organism. The measurement of microvascular blood perfusion provides researchers with critical information in a number of research applications where blood supply has been disrupted.
Oxford Optronix blood flow monitors will be of interest therefore to life scientists wishing to directly and continuously measure local microvascular blood perfusion in in vivo models of ischemia-related disorders.
OxyFlo™ devices are laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) monitors intended for monitoring of relative microvascular blood flow in living tissues.
Most applications are concerned with monitoring the competence of regional (microvascular) blood supply in specialties such as peripheral vascular disorders, cerebral perfusion monitoring in models of stroke and brain injury, tumour perfusion monitoring / angiogenesis, blood flow in free flaps and pedicle flaps, wound healing, surgery, transplantation and more.
Oxford Optronix Ltd. was founded when its current CEO pioneered the transition of the then nascent laser-Doppler flowmetry technology into a commercially viable product in the early 1990’s. Oxford Optronix remains a pioneer in the development of LDF technology and continues to set unrivaled standards of reliability, robustness and sensitivity, with the OxyFlo™ brand now well-established the world over in biomedical ischaemia research.
With the launch of OxyFlo™ Pro in 2013, a third-generation LDF platform, Oxford Optronix blends contemporary design, plug and play convenience and touch-screen operation to provide one of the most advanced and reliable blood flow monitors on the market.
Intended use statement:
OxyFlo™ and OxyFlo™ Pro are intended for laboratory, industrial and research use only.
OxyFlo™ and OxyFlo™ Pro are NOT intended for use in human subjects/patients.
Data Example: A Model of Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rat
A dedicated needle blood flow probe (product code ‘MNP100NX-3/10’), immobilized over a pre-determined region of the skull via a stereotactic apparatus was used to non-invasively measure cerebral cortex blood flow in response to temporary MCA occlusion. The trace shows continuous blood flow in arbitrary ‘blood perfusion units’ (BPU).
Features & Benefits
Continuous tissue blood flow assessment
Oxford Optronix high performance laser Doppler blood flow monitors provide uncompromised reliability in continuous tissue blood flow assessment and are ideally suited to measurements of changing tissue blood flow in acute experimental models.
Touch-screen display and interface
OxyFlo™ Pro models feature a touch-sensitive, high-contrast, 140º viewing-angle screen, which displays real-time data in both digital and graphical (trace) formats, and provides access to instrument/user settings.
USB digital output
The entire range of Oxford Optronix tissue monitoring devices include a dedicated USB output that supports direct streaming of real-time recordings to a PC running the popular LabChart® Pro* charting software by ADInstruments. After installing a complimentary Add-on, LabChart will automatically identify the specific type and model of Oxford Optronix monitor and pre-load all the necessary configuration and channel settings, providing the ultimate in ‘plug and play’ convenience. For researchers wishing to make multi-parameter measurements, the Add-on supports multiple Oxford Optronix devices at the same time. Data acquisition and recording just got a whole lot easier!
Versatility
Allows for ease of use, and reproducible results by experts and non-experts
Plug and play
OxyFlo™ probes require no calibration procedures or configuration following one-time probe calibration. Probes supplied at the time of monitor shipment are supplied factor pre-calibrated.
2-year product warranty
Oxford Optronix monitors are now provided with a comprehensive 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, covering defects in material or in workmanship. An optional extended warranty package, providing up to 6 years of ‘peace of mind’ cover, including preventative maintenance servicing is available at the time of purchase.
Multi-channel productivity
The OxyFlo™ Pro is available as a 2-channel model or, uniquely, as a 4-channel device (OxyFlo™ Pro XL) capable of driving up to 4 probes simultaneously. This provides the flexibility to suit all needs, including the simultaneous monitoring of blood flow from multiple tissue sites (e.g. comparison of pathological versus control tissue sites).
ART
OxyFlo™ monitors incorporate proprietary artifact rejection technology (ART), effectively filtering out the presence of motion artifacts in the blood flow signal. This either substantially reduces, or in most cases, completely eliminates motion artifacts or ‘spikes’ in the blood flow data arising from sensor cable movement and/or regular tissue movement (e.g. due to breathing).
Upgradeable
The OxyFlo™ Pro dual-channel model can be factory upgraded to a 4-channel device.
Analogue data outputs
Continuous data recording to PC or Mac platforms is supported via standard analogue data outputs offering compatibility with third party data recording solutions.
Single sensor multi-parameter monitoring
OxyFlo™ blood flow monitors have been specifically developed for use with OxyLite™ oxygen monitors. The combination of these two fibre optic measurement systems provides simultaneous tissue blood flow and oxygenation data from each ‘triple’ parameter combined sensor.
Models
OxyFlo™
Single-channel laser-Doppler tissue blood flow monitor/perfusion monitoring-
Uncompromised reliability in continuous tissue blood flow assessment
-
Ideally suited to measurements of changing tissue blood flow in acute experimental models
OxyFlo™ Pro / Pro XL
Multi-channel laser-Doppler tissue blood flow monitors with integrated touch-screen-
Uncompromised reliability in continuous tissue blood flow assessment
-
Ideally suited to measurements of changing tissue blood flow in acute experimental models
-
Enhanced productivity & features
User Testimonials
“We have used OxyFlo probes for animal tumour studies and found them a great addition to the range of techniques that we use for studying the tumour microenvironment. The Oxford Optronix team is always extremely helpful, providing knowledgeable and thoughtful advice on every occasion. We will certainly carry on using them.”
– Dr Gillian Tozer, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK
Specifications
General
| Dimensions | Weight | Operating Temperature | Operating Humidity | Power Requirements | Fuse Rating | Number of sensors supported / Number of channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
OxyFlo: 95mm (H) x 290mm (W) x 260mm (D) OxyFlo Pro: 150mm (H) x 310mm (W) x 280mm (D) |
OxyFlo: 2kg / 4.5lbs OxyFlo Pro: 4kg / 9lbs |
10 – 30°C |
0 – 70% (non-condensing) |
0 – 70% (non-condensing) |
OxyFlo: 2 x T1.6A OxyFlo Pro: Not applicable |
OxyFlo: 1 OxyFlo Pro: 2 OxyFlo Pro XL: 4 |
| Display | Instrument configuration | Analogue Voltage Outputs | Laser Type | Laser Wavelength | Laser Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
OxyFlo: 40 character alphanumeric OLED OxyFlo Pro: High contrast 800 x 480 LCD touch-screen |
OxyFlo: Via function button at rear OxyFlo Pro: Via touch-screen display |
OxyFlo: 2 x male BNC connectors (2 outputs) OxyFlo Pro: 1 x 15-pin D-type (4 outputs) OxyFlo Pro XL: 2 x 15-pin D-type (8 outputs) |
Temperature-stabilized semi-conductor laser diode |
785 ±10nm |
Class 1 (EN 60825-1:1994, 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11) |
Performance
| Mode of operation | Measurement units (displayed) | Stability of reading | Sampling rate | Measurement averaging | Display update interval (numerical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Laser Doppler flowmetry
|
0 – 9999 BPU (blood perfusion units)
|
± 5% |
200Hz |
200ms (Flow); 5ms (Raw); 5s (ART); 200ms (Backscatter), rolling |
2s (5s rolling averaged) |
| Probe identification | Probe calibration | Probe shelf-life | Zeroing | Default analogue data output range | Analogue data output rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Automatic; monitor stores one-time calibration
|
Factory or user-calibrated using Oxford Optronix motility standard
|
Unlimited
|
Automatic, controlled
|
0 – 5V (= 0 – 5000 BPU or 0 – 100% Backscatter)
|
65Hz |
Applications
Vital Organs/Shock
Post EH, Su F, Hosokawa K, Taccone FS, Herpain A, Creteur J, Vincent JL, De Backer D, Changes in kidney perfusion and renal cortex metabolism in septic shock: an experimental study. J Surg Res (2017); 207, 145-154 [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyFlo™ 4000
Brügger LE, Beldi G, Stalder M, Porta F, Candinas D, Takala J, Jakob SM, Postoperative splanchnic blood flow redistribution in response to fluid challenges in the presence and absence of endotoxemia in a porcine model. Shock (2012); 37(1), 116-21 [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyFlo™ 4000
Cai RS1, Alexander MS, Marson L, Activation of somatosensory afferents elicit changes in vaginal blood flow and the urethrogenital reflex via autonomic efferents. J Urol (2008); 180(3), 1167-72 [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyFlo™ 2000
Tumour/Cancer
Williams LJ, Mukherjee D, Fisher M, Reyes-Aldasoro CC, Akerman S, Kanthou C, Tozer GM, An in vivo role for Rho kinase activation in the tumour vascular disrupting activity of combretastatin A-4 3-O-phosphate. Br J Pharmacol (2014); 171(21), 4902-13 [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyFlo™ 4000
Sersa G, Jarm T, Kotnik T, Coer A, Podkrajsek M, Sentjurc M, Miklavcic D, Kadivec M, Kranjc S, Secerov A, Cemazar M, Vascular disrupting action of electroporation and electrochemotherapy with bleomycin in murine sarcoma. Br J Cancer (2008); (2), 388-98 [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyFlo™ 2000
Nikfarjam M, Muralidharan V, Malcontenti-Wilson C, Christophi C, Progressive microvascular injury in liver and colorectal liver metastases following laser induced focal hyperthermia therapy. Lasers Surg Med (2005); 37(1), 64-73 [ [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyFlo™ 2000
Physiology/Ischemia
Budgell BS, Sovak G, Soave D, TENS augments blood flow in somatotopically linked spinal cord segments and mitigates compressive ischemia. Spinal Cord (2014); 52(10), 744-8 [LINK]
Guerci P, Tran N, Menu P, Losser MR, Meistelman C, Longrois D, Impact of fluid resuscitation with hypertonic-hydroxyethyl starch versus lactated ringer on hemorheology and microcirculation in hemorrhagic shock. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. (2014); 56(4), 301-17 8 [LINK]
Murnaghan M, Li G, Marsh DR, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced fracture nonunion: an inhibition of angiogenesis? J Bone Joint Surg Am (2006); 88 Suppl 3, 140-7 [LINK]
Plastic Surgery/Wound Healing
Bagdas D, Cam Etoz B, Inan Ozturkoglu S, Cinkilic N, Ozyigit MO, Gul Z, Isbil Buyukcoskun N, Ozluk K, Gurun MS, Effects of systemic chlorogenic acid on random-pattern dorsal skin flap survival in diabetic rats. Biol Pharm Bull (2014); 37(3), 361-70 [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyLab LDF™
Contaldo C1, Harder Y, Plock J, Banic A, Jakob SM, Erni D, The influence of local and systemic preconditioning on oxygenation, metabolism and survival in critically ischaemic skin flaps in pigs. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg (2007); 60(11), 1182-92 [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyFlo™ 2000
Harder Y, Contaldo C, Klenk J, Banic A, Jakob SM, Erni D, Preconditioning with monophosphoryl lipid A improves survival of critically ischemic tissue. Anesth Analg (2005); 100(6), 1786-92 [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyFlo™ 2000
Cerebral/Stroke/MCAO
Nakamura S, Walker DW, Wong FY, Cerebral haemodynamic response to somatosensory stimulation in near-term fetal sheep. J Physiol. (2017); 2017 595(4), 1289-1303 [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyFlo™ 2000
Arpacı H, Çomu FM, Küçük A, Kösem B, Kartal S, Şıvgın V, Turgut HC, Aydın ME, Koç DS, Arslan M, Effects of lornoxicam and intravenous ibuprofen on erythrocyte deformability and hepatic and renal blood flow in rats. Drug Des Devel Ther (2016); 10, 2477-81 [LINK]
Instrument cited: OxyLab LDF™
Heikkinen R, Malm T, Heikkilä J, Muona A, Tanila H, Koistinaho M, Koistinaho J, Susceptibility to focal and global brain ischemia of Alzheimer mice displaying aβ deposits: effect of immunoglobulin. Aging Dis (2014); 5(2), 76-87
Instrument cited: OxyFlo™ 2000
Probes
Blood Flow Probes for OxyFlo™ and OxyFlo™ Pro
A range of fibre-optic based probes is available to support a diverse range of blood flow monitoring applications, including surface probes for (non-invasive) skin and tissue surface measurements, or needle type probes for direct (invasive) measurements from deeper tissue regions.
Reusable probes are supplied in a dedicated protective case for safe storage
Surface Type Blood Flow Probes
Standard Probe for Blood Flow from Tissue Surfaces
Product code ‘MSP100NX’
A range of fibre-optic based probes is available to support a diverse range of blood flow monitoring applications, including surface probes for (non-invasive) skin and tissue surface measurements, or needle type probes for direct (invasive) measurements from deeper tissue regions.
Reusable probes are supplied in a dedicated protective case for safe storage
Digit Probe for Blood Flow from Rounded Surfaces
Product code ‘MSP110NX’
Specifically developed with a curved geometry for measuring cutaneous blood flow in the digits. Tissue attachment via double-sided adhesive rings (product code ‘MSP140AR’).
Dimensions:
- Head diameter: 17 mm
- Head height : 10 mm
- Total probe length: 3 m
Reusability: Unlimited
Miniature Probe for Blood Flow from Tissue Surfaces (suturable)
Product code ‘MSP300NX’
Small and lightweight, suitable for non-invasive tissue surface blood flow monitoring and for semi-invasive monitoring of blood flow from muscle and internal organ surfaces. Tissue attachment via double-sided adhesive rings (product code ‘MSP140AR’) or by suture.
Dimensions:
- Head diameter: 12 mm
- Head height : 5 mm
- Total probe length: 3 m
Reusability: Unlimited
Miniature Probe for Blood Flow from Tissue Surfaces
(non-suturable)
Product code ‘MSP310NX’
Small and lightweight, suitable for non-invasive tissue surface blood flow monitoring and for semi-invasive monitoring of blood flow from muscle and internal organ surfaces. Tissue attachment via double-sided adhesive rings (product code ‘MSP140AR’ see Accessories).
Dimensions:
- Head diameter: 12 mm
- Head height : 5 mm
- Total probe length: 3 m
Reusability: Unlimited
Needle Type Blood Flow Probes
Standard Needle Blood Flow Probe
Product code ‘MNP100NX’
Standard, robust needle probe for invasive blood flow measurements or non-invasive blood flow measurements from tissue surfaces. Typically positioned using an external clamp.
Dimensions:
- Needle length: 30 mm
- Needle diameter : 1 mm
- Collar length: 16 mm
- Collar diameter: 5 mm
- Total probe length: 3 m
Reusability: Unlimited
Standard Needle Blood Flow Probe for MCAO
Product code ‘MNP100NX-3/10’
Specifically conceived for cerebral microvascular blood flow measurements in MCAO and stroke applications.Typically positioned using an external clamp or using dedicated miniature holders (product codes ‘MH-10’ and ‘MH-05’, see Accessories).
Dimensions:
- Needle length: 10 mm
- Needle diameter : 1 mm
- Collar length: 16 mm
- Collar diameter: 5 mm
- Total probe length: 3 m
Reusability: Unlimited
Fine Needle Blood Flow Probe
Product code ‘MNP110NX’
This micro-needle probe has been developed for minimal tissue trauma during invasive insertion and is frequently used for measuring microvascular blood flow within muscle, tumours, internal organs and brain tissue. Typically positioned using an external clamp.
Dimensions:
- Needle length: 30 mm
- Needle diameter : 0.5 mm
- Collar length: 16 mm
- Collar diameter: 5 mm
- Total probe length: 3 m
Reusability: Unlimited
Bent-Tip Needle Blood Flow Probe
Product code ‘MNP150NX’
An angled probe tip facilitates blood flow measurements in specialist applications such as gingiva and nasal mucosa. Typically positioned using an external clamp.
- Needle length: 30 mm
- Needle diameter : 1 mm
- Collar length: 16 mm
- Collar diameter: 5 mm
- Total probe length: 3 m
Reusability: Unlimited
Specialist Blood Flow Probes
Single-Fibre Implantable Blood Flow Probe
Product code ‘MSF100NX’
This highly flexible probe consists of a 0.5mm diameter polymethyl methacrylate (plastic) fibre with a standard length of 30cm. Particularly useful for chronic implantation, the MSF100NX can be directly inserted into tissue using a standard 22G i.d. cannula. The small and light coupling bead minimizes the total weight of the implanted probe. Flow measurements are made by attaching the MSF Driver (product code ‘MSFD NX’, see Accessories Tab)
Dimensions:
- Fibre length: 30 cm
- Fibre diameter: 0.5 mm
- Collar length: 8 mm
- Collar diameter: 3 mm
Reusability: Limited
Bare-Type Blood Flow Probe
Product code ‘NX-BF/F’
This blood flow probe consists of a pair of 125 µm glass fibres for a combined diameter of less than 300 µm and a tip length of 60 mm. This probe type represents a minimally invasive and flexible alternative to the steel needle probes above and is particularly useful for direct insertion into tissue (via catheter or cannula) and measurement of microvascular blood flow from deeper tissue regions.
- Tissue placement via introducer (e.g. Angiocath®)
- Removable/adjustable Luer
Dimensions:
- Tip diameter: approx. 300 µm
- Exposed tip fibre length 6 cm
- Total probe length: 2.5 m
Reusability: Limited
Optional Accessories
Value ADC
12-input analogue data acquisition module.
Oxford Optronix value data recording proposition, supplied with WinDAQ software by Dataq Instruments.
Miniature needle probe holders
Miniature holders for use specifically with the MNP100NX-3/10 needle probe type probe. These are designed primarily for MCAO applications in rodents and can be attached directly to exposed skull using rapid-setting adhesive in order to firmly, yet reversibly secure the MNP100NX-3/10 probe type. Available in 5 mm or in 10 mm diameters and sold in packs of 5.
Single fibre adapter
Oxford Optronix specialist single fibre implantable blood flow probe type requires the connecting ‘MSFD NX’ adapter depicted.
BNC adapter cable for Pro models
1 m high density 15-pin D-connector to 4 BNC data adapter cable for OxyLite™ Pro and OxyFlo™ Pro monitors.
For data connection to third-party data recorder (e.g. PowerLab™ or ValueADC).
Adhesive rings
Double-sided adhesive rings used to secure surface blood flow probes to the skin. Sold in lots of 200.
Calibration kit for blood flow probes
A motility standard comprising a solution of micro-spheres at a precisely controlled concentration and a probe positioning device together ensure highly reproducible blood flow probe calibration. Only required with stand-alone probe orders, where probes cannot be supplied pre-calibrated. Probes that accompany a blood flow monitor will be supplied factory pre-calibrated.
BNC data cables
1 m BNC data cables for single channel OxyLite™ and OxyFlo™ monitors.
For data connection to third-party data recorder (e.g. PowerLab™ or Value ADC).
Past Webinars - OxyFlo
Publications & Articles
Cardiac Function
Application Note: Measuring Coronary Flow Reserve
System Used: Doppler Flow Velocity System M-Series View Paper Here Background Coronary flow
Science Corner: Doppler Flow Velocity Imaging at Dr. Olgin’s Research Lab
Doppler Flow Velocity Imaging at Dr. Olgin’s Research Lab Dr. Jeff Olgin. “Dr.
Article review: “Effects of Isoflurane on Coronary Blood Flow Velocity in Young, Old, and ApoE−/− Mice Measured by Doppler Ultrasound”
Article review: “Effects of Isoflurane on Coronary Blood Flow Velocity in Young, Old,