Video dilution technique (VDT) is currently performed in conjunction with routine cerebral angiography to determine carotid blood flow in humans. Preliminary results indicate that the blood flows (as a percentage of cardial output) of the common, internal, and external carotid arteries are 8.5%, 5.5%, and 3.0%, respectively (SD<1%). In contradistinction to previous techniques, VDT provides a safe and highly accurate method of determining carotid blood flow in human subjects. The usefulness of this technique in normal and pathologic states is discussed.
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