Deep tissue flowmetry using diffuse speckle contrast analysis

A method for determining blood flow in a patient, the method comprising:

• directing coherent light onto a first location of the patient's skin;
• obtaining time-series measurements of the light intensity at a second location of the patient's skin, wherein a portion of the coherent light is scattered by the blood flow beneath the patient's skin such that the scattered light is at least partially detectable at the second location;
• and
• calculating the blood flow based on the time-series measurements.

A system for assessment of blood flow in tissue, the system comprising:

• a coherent light source configured to apply light to the tissue;
• a multi-pixel image sensor configured to capture optical information including at least a quantity of light transmitted through the tissue, wherein the light is scattered, at least in part, by the blood flow;
• an analyzer configured to analyze the optical information to determine blood flow in the tissue;
• and
• a feedback device configured to provide a signal indicative of the blood flow determined by the analyzer.