Figure 1
From: How to evaluate the microcirculation: report of a round table conference
Determination of De Backer's score [3]. Vessel density is calculated as the number of vessels crossing the lines divided by the total length of the lines. Perfusion is then categorized by eye as present (continuous flow for at least 20 s), absent (no flow for at least 20 s) or intermittent (at least 50% of time with no flow). The proportion of perfused vessels (PPV [%]) and perfused vessel density (PVD) are then calculated. A 20 μm cut-off is used to separate small vessels (mostly capillaries) from large vessels (mostly venules).