Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to Evaluate Human Donor Kidneys Prior to and Following Transplantation

Abstract

The most common insult to donor kidneys destined for transplantation is Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN). The extent of ATN will affect post-transplant function and is a significant risk factor for long-term graft function and survival. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a rapidly emerging imaging modality that can function as a type of “optical biopsy”, providing non-invasive images of tissue morphology in situ and in real-time. In this paper, we review studies that support the use of OCT and Doppler based OCT (i.e., DOCT) to image the renal microstructure and blood flow of human donor kidneys. We conclude that OCT/DOCT imaging of donor kidneys prior to and following transplantation can provide transplant surgeons with a means for predicting ATN and post-transplant renal function.