2004 Volume 17 Issue 2 Pages 68-71
Background and Objective: In transcranial color flow imaging, stability of the probe is a critical concern for the quality of recordings. We carried out TC-CFI monitoring with a new 6-axis probe holder to improve the consistency of the recording. Subjects and Methods: Three normal subjects and two patients with acute stroke underwent TC-CFI studies with the newly devised probe holder. The holder, fixed to the examinee's temple, supported the sonoprobe with three pairs of ball joints, which enabled it to move around 6 axes-namely X, Y, Z, yaw, pitch, and roll-independently. The examiner was allowed to designate and fix the probe at any position that yielded the best image via the temporal window. TC-CFI recording was continued for more than 10 min. During the recording, the examiner did not support or relocate the probe, and the examinees were asked to rise from a supine to a sitting position. Results: Serial recordings showed no significant change in imaging section, blood flow profile, or signal intensity throughout the measurement. Conclusions: The probe holder with 6-axis movement contributed to the consistency of TC-CFI recording, and may facilitate dynamic evaluation of blood flow in the brain.
