Abstract
Correlation mapping optical coherence tomography (cmOCT) is a recently proposed technique that extends the capabilities of OCT to enable mapping of vasculature networks. The technique is achieved as a processing step on OCT intensity images that does not require any modification to existing OCT hardware. In this paper we apply the cmOCT processing technique to in vivo human imaging of the volar forearm. We illustrate that cmOCT can produce maps of the microcirculation that clearly follow the accepted anatomical structure. We demonstrate that the technique can extract parameters such as capillary density and vessel diameter. These parameters are key clinical markers for the early changes associated with microvascular diseases. Overall the presented results show that cmOCT is a powerful new tool that generates microcirculation maps in a safe non-invasive, non-contact technique which has clear clinical applications.
Highlights
The microcirculation is a term used to describe the small vessels in the vasculature network which are responsible for the distribution of blood and nutrients through the body; as opposed to larger vessels in the macrocirculation which transport the blood to and from the organs
To overcome the limitations associated with existing technologies we has recently developed a new technique termed correlation mapping optical coherence tomography (OCT) [29]
The results illustrate the sensitivity of Correlation mapping optical coherence tomography (cmOCT) at detecting low flow velocities
Summary
The microcirculation is a term used to describe the small vessels in the vasculature network which are responsible for the distribution of blood and nutrients through the body; as opposed to larger vessels in the macrocirculation which transport the blood to and from the organs. High resolution structural imaging combined with microcirculation imaging can provide additional clinical information the low acoustic resolution can be an issue Another limitation of photoacoustic techniques is that a coupling medium is required to provide direct contact with the tissue under investigation. The technique suffers from an angular dependence and is unable to detect flow perpendicular to the scanning beam This is a key limitation for microcirculation imaging as blood vessels within the tissue are orientated at varying angles and can be tortuous in shape. The variance values itself does not directly indicate flow and a prior knowledge of the structure is required to separate regions with and without flow Another technique that has shown very promising results is optical microangiography (OMAG) that has emerged to enable microcirculation imaging [23]. We apply the cmOCT technique to in vivo imaging of the human volar forearm and demonstrate the vascular maps that can be produced
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