Positioning Laser Doppler Probe: A Technique to Implant Probe Over Middle Cerebral Artery for Blood Flow Measurement in Murine Model

Prepare a holder for the laser Doppler probe by cutting the tip of a 10-microliter pipette tip. Once the mouse is completely anesthetized, place it in a prone position in the operation area. Gently insert the rectal probe to monitor the temperature throughout the surgical procedures. After disinfecting the surgical site, cut the scalp between the left ear and the eye to expose the skull bone.

Next, cut and retire the temporal muscle to visualize the multiple cerebral arteries or MCA beneath the skull. Fix the outer part of the tip, holding the laser Doppler probe or fiber on top of the left MCA with glue, and close the skin so that the skin is glued, as well. Apply two to three drops of hardener glue to speed up the process. Make sure that the laser Doppler fiber is not glued and can be easily removed from the tip holder at any time.