“[The] OxyFlo probes [have been] a great addition to the range of techniques that we use”
Dr Tozer, University of Sheffield, UK
Pioneering instrumentation
for the bio-sciences sector
4.9 / 5.0 | 2 reviews
Our single-channel laser-Doppler tissue blood flow monitor/perfusion monitoring
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4.9 / 5.0 | 2 reviews
Our multi-channel laser-Doppler tissue blood flow monitors with integrated touch-screen
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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.
Our 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.
Our 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:
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. We remain a pioneer in the development of LDF technology and continue to set unrivalled 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, our third-generation LDF platform, we blend 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.
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Our new-generation 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.
A range of probe types and probe formats provide support for a host of specialist disciplines and applications requiring both invasive or non-invasive tissue blood flow assessment.
OxyFlo™ monitors incorporate our proprietary artefact rejection technology, effectively filtering out the presence of motion artefacts in the blood flow signal. Substantially reduces and in most cases, completely eliminates motion artefacts or ‘spikes’ in the blood flow data arising from sensor cable movement and/or regular tissue movement (e.g. due to breathing).
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.
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.
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).
The OxyFlo™ Pro dual-channel model can be factory upgraded to a 4-channel device.
Our OxyFlo™ blood flow monitors have been specifically developed for use our 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.
Our entire range of tissue monitoring devices now 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!
*LabChart version 8.0.4 or later required; PC/Windows only
Continuous data recording to PC or Mac platforms is supported via standard analogue data outputs offering compatibility with third party data recording solutions.
Our 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.
Perfusion by blood provides tissues with vital oxygen and nutrients, while removing waste products and distributing effector and 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.
Our 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.
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).
“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
Our OxyFlo™ and OxyFlo™ Pro blood flow monitors are employed the world over and have been widely cited across a range of research applications.
Click the button below for our exhaustive PDF of citations of OxyFlo (and its predecessors) in the scientific literature.
Select recent citations:
Ganesh T, Zakher , Estrada M and Cheng HM (2019). Assessment of microvascular dysfunction in acute limb ischemia-reperfusion injury. J Magn Reson Imaging 49(4), 1174-118
McBride DW Reis C, Zhang JH, Applegate R 2nd and Tang J (2018). Remote Limb Ischemic Preconditioning Attenuates Cerebrovascular Depression During Sinusoidal Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation via α1-Adrenoceptor-Protein Kinase Cε-Endothelial NO Synthase Pathway in Rats. J Am Heart Assoc:7(7). pii: e007105
McBride DW, Wu G, Nowrangi D, Flores JJ, Hui L, Krafft PR and Zhang JH (2018). Delayed Recanalization Promotes Functional Recovery in Rats Following Permanent Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion. Transl Stroke Res 9(2), 185-198
Post EH, Su F, Righy Shinotsuka C, Taccone FS, Creteur J, De Backer D and Vincent JL (2018). Renal autoregulation in experimental septic shock and its response to vasopressin and norepinephrine administration. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2018 Sep 27. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00783.2017. [Epub ahead of print]
Shepherd J, Fisher M, Welford A, McDonald DM, Kanthou C and Tozer GM (2017). The protective role of sphingosine-1-phosphate against the action of the vascular disrupting agent combretastatin A-4 3-O-phosphate. Oncotarget 8(56), 95648-95661
Nakamura S,
| GENERAL | |
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Dimensions |
OxyFlo: 95mm (H) x 290mm (W) x 260mm (D) |
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Weight |
OxyLite: 2kg / 4.5lbs |
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Operating temperature |
10 – 30°C |
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Operating humidity |
0 – 70% (non-condensing) |
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Power requirements |
OxyFlo: VAC 100-240V, 50-60Hz, 30W max |
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Fuse rating |
OxyFlo: 2 x T1.6A |
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Number of sensors supported / |
OxyFlo: 1 |
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Display |
OxyFlo: 40 character alphanumeric OLED |
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Instrument configuration |
OxyFlo: Via function button at rear |
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Analogue voltage outputs |
OxyFlo: 2 x male BNC connectors (2 outputs) |
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Laser type |
Temperature-stabilized semi-conductor laser diode |
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Laser wavelength |
785 ±10nm |
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Laser classification |
Class 1 (EN 60825-1:1994, 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11) |
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Laser power |
<0.5mW from probe tip/underside |
| PERFORMANCE | |
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Mode of operation |
Laser Doppler flowmetry |
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Measurement units (displayed) |
0 – 9999 BPU (blood perfusion units) |
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Stability of reading |
± 5% |
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Sampling rate |
200Hz |
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Measurement averaging |
200ms (Flow); 5ms (Raw); 5s (ART); 200ms (Backscatter), rolling |
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Display update interval (numerical) |
2s (5s rolling averaged) |
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Probe identification |
Automatic; monitor stores one-time calibration |
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Probe calibration |
Factory or user-calibrated using Oxford Optronix motility standard |
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Probe shelf-life |
Unlimited |
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Zeroing |
Automatic, controlled |
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Default analogue data output range |
0 – 5V (= 0 – 5000 BPU or 0 – 100% Backscatter) |
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Analogue data output rate |
65Hz |
Our range of laser Doppler blood flow monitors are intended for the investigation of blood flow (also knows as blood perfusion or microvascular blood flow) in the microcirculation. The laser Doppler technique is well-established as the most convenient method for assessing tissue blood flow non-invasively and continuously. The technique allows continuous assessment of flow at one or more tissue sites via fibre-optic probes in contact with the tissue. The measurement of microvascular blood flow provides researchers with critical information in a number of research applications where blood supply has been disrupted (ischaemia). The technique is not intended for the measurement of blood flow rates in isolated blood vessels.
While substantially equivalent to other laser Doppler monitors on the market, our OxyFlo™ monitors offer a number of distinguishing key features. Most notable of these is their ability to operate in conjunction with our counterpart oxygen monitors for combined tissue oxygen, blood perfusion and temperature monitoring from a single sensor and therefore the same tissue micro-region. Furthermore, our multi-channel OxyFlo™ Pro models offer an industry-first touch-screen display and user interface as well as an advanced, intelligent signal noise suppression output (ART™).
Our instruments have proved popular in applications covering such disciplines as peripheral vascular disease, cerebral perfusion monitoring in models of stroke and brain injury, tumour perfusion monitoring / angiogenesis, blood flow in free flaps and pedicle flaps, wound healing, gastroenterology and more.
Our blood perfusion monitors utilise the well-established method of laser-Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) to provide a continuous measure of tissue blood blow. LDF works by illuminating a small region of tissue under observation with low power laser light from a sensor containing optical fibre light guides. Laser light from one fibre is directed towards the tissue and is scattered within the tissue. Some of the scattered laser light is incident upon moving red blood cells within the tissue and this light becomes Doppler-frequency shifted as a result. A second optical fibre collects this backscattered, Doppler-shifted light from the tissue and returns it to the detector within the monitor. The photo-detected signal comprises a broad spectrum of Doppler frequency shifted signals generated as a result of the movement of red blood cells within the tissue. Microvascular blood flow is electronically calculated as the product of mean red blood cell velocity and mean red blood cell concentration in the volume of tissue under illumination from the sensor.
All our blood flow probes are constructed internally from glass or specialist plastic optical fibre light guides, terminating in needle, surface or other, specialist conformations designed to support the measurement of blood flow from almost any tissue. Probes are typically supplied in 3 m lengths and composed of specialist surgical steel, medical grade plastic and silicone materials. See here for a full list of available blood flow probe types.
Yes, the OxyFlo™ Pro is a two-channel monitor, while the OxyFlo™ Pro XL is a four-channel monitor capable of simultaneously driving and reading from up to 4 blood flow probes simultaneously. This allows the simultaneous collection of physiological blood flow data from up to four separate tissue sites at the same time, which may for example be useful when comparing pathological versus control tissue sites (e.g. contralateral cerebral perfusion). The ability to monitor from more than one tissue site can also be useful in mitigating for natural site to site blood flow variability by allowing multi-site signal averaging.
No. While we manufacture blood flow probes in a clean room environment, they are not supplied sterile. Our blood flow probes can however be disinfected using 70% IMS or ethanol, and can be sterilized using industry-standard liquid sterilizers (e.g. Cidex®) or the low-temperature ethylene oxide gas method. Note that neither our blood flow probes, nor our blood flow monitors possess CE or FDA regulatory approval for use in human subjects.
For most tissues the mean sampling depth is in the region of 0.5 – 1.5 mm with a typical sampling volume in the region of 1 mm3. These values could be higher in regions where reduced photon absorption would be expected due to depleted erythrocyte concentration. These values have been obtained heuristically through many years of experience and are based on both in vitro observations and mathematical modelling of photon diffusion through ‘imaginary tissues’ using Monte-Carlo techniques.
The laser-Doppler technique for tissue blood flow measurement provides arbitrary, non-absolute, units for blood perfusion since the actual sampling volume/depth can only be determined by identifying which erythrocytes have interacted with the light remitted from the tissue, which in turn, is principally dependant on two parameters; namely the optical scattering and the optical absorption coefficients of the tissue under observation. Since both of these coefficients are entirely dependent on the site of observation and perfusion of the microvasculature at the time of measurement, it is impossible to determine the actual sampling volume at any tissue site and thus to express the measured component in absolute terms. The strengths of the laser-Doppler technique lie in observing continuous and quantifiable changes relative to baseline (control) measurements.
No. At this time our blood flow monitors and probes do NOT possess CE or FDA regulatory approvals for use on human subjects.
Yes, depending on geographical location we will try to arrange for an on-site demonstration of our products by an experienced product specialist. Ideally this will involve a full simulation of your application in order to maximise the benefit of the demonstration. On-site demonstrations are usually free of charge and can typically be arranged at 2 – 8 weeks notice. Alternatively we can also arrange for a limited free trial of our monitors and sensors.
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 Blood Flow Probes
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Product code 'MSP100NX'Standard probe for blood flow from tissue surfaces These robust and easy-to-handle probes are ideal for measurements of microvascular blood flow on tissue surfaces. Tissue attachment via double-sided adhesive rings (product code 'MSP140AR'). Dimensions: Reusability: Unlimited |
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Product code 'MSP110NX'Digit probe for blood flow from rounded surfaces 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: Reusability: Unlimited |
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Product code 'MSP300NX'Miniature probe for blood flow from tissue surfaces (suturable) 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: Reusability: Unlimited |
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Product code 'MSP310NX'Miniature probe for blood flow from tissue surfaces (non-suturable) 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: Reusability: Unlimited |
Needle Blood Flow Probes
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Product code 'MNP100NX'Standard needle blood flow probe 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: Reusability: Unlimited |
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Product code 'MNP100NX-3/10'Standard needle blood flow probe for MCAO 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: Reusability: Unlimited |
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Product code 'MNP110NX'Fine needle blood flow probe 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: Reusability: Unlimited |
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Product code 'MNP150NX'Bent-tip needle blood flow probe An angled probe tip facilitates blood flow measurements in specialist applications such as gingiva and nasal mucosa. Typically positioned using an external clamp. Dimensions: Reusability: Unlimited |
Specialist Blood Flow Probes
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Product code 'MSF100NX'Single-fibre implantable blood flow probe 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) Dimensions: Reusability: Disposable |
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Product code 'NX-BF/F'Bare-fibre type blood flow probe 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®) Dimensions: Reusability: Limited due to fragility |
LabChart® Pro
Software user license for direct USB streaming of data to a PC.
OxyFlo™ and OxyFlo™ Pro monitors now offer compatibility with the highly popular and feature-rich LabChart® Pro data recording and analysis software by ADInstruments. A single user license, inclusive of 5 years of free updates is available to order.
This supports direct streaming of real-time recordings to a PC, via a dedicated USB output at the rear of all our monitors*.
A free Device Enabler provided by ADInstruments automatically recognizes the monitor or monitors in use and even supports the simultaneous recording of data from an existing PowerLab® module, where present (see below).
*PC/Windows platforms supported only
PowerLab®
Analogue data acquisition modules by ADInstruments.
Our monitors also feature +/- 5V analogue outputs that can be used to record measurements continuously to PC or Mac platforms via virtually any third party data recording and analysis (DAQ) system.
A popular choice is PowerLab® by ADInstruments, and associated LabChart® software.
Third party data acquisition solutions such as PowerLab offer the flexibility to additionally record output from other, non-Oxford Optronix branded devices (e.g. blood pressure, ECG, etc).
PowerLab data acquisition systems (comprising hardware and software) offer versatile data acquisition and analysis solutions for life science research and education applications. The systems are used with Windows or Macintosh computers to record and analyze physiological signals from human and animal subjects. In one compact unit, PowerLab systems perform the functions of chart recorders, XYT plotters, digital voltmeters and storage oscilloscopes.
PowerLab systems can be supplied by ourselves to complement our monitors at the time of purchase, or can be sourced directly from your local ADInstruments supplier/distributor.
Value ADC
12-input analogue data acquisition module.
Our value data recording proposition, supplied with WinDAQ software by Dataq Instruments.
Single fibre adapter
Our specialist single fibre implantable blood flow probe type requires the connecting 'MSFD NX' adapter depicted.
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.
Adhesive rings
Double-sided adhesive rings used to secure surface blood flow probes to the skin. Sold in lots of 200.
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.
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).
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).
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