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Image correlation method for measuring blood flow velocity in microcirculation: correlation 'window' simulation and
K Tsukada1, H Minamitani, E Sekizuka
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan. tsukada@mnt.appi.keio.ac.jp
Physiological Measurement
|December 8, 2000
Summary
Researchers developed an automated system to measure microcirculation blood flow velocity. This technique accurately measures erythrocyte flow in hypertensive rats, revealing higher velocities and shear stress.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Understanding microcirculation blood flow is crucial for elucidating its function.
- Accurate measurement of blood flow velocity and distribution in microvessels is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an automated system for measuring microcirculation blood flow velocity using image correlation.
- To investigate differences in microvessel blood flow velocity between normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Main Methods:
- Developed an automated image correlation system for blood flow velocity measurement.
- Optimized window shape and size for image correlation, finding circular windows sized to erythrocytes optimal.
- Recorded in vivo microvessel images using a high-speed video camera system with high temporal resolution.
Main Results:
- The developed system accurately measured in vivo blood flow velocity.
- Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) exhibited higher blood velocity than Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats at similar vessel diameters.
- Erythrocytes flowed faster on the inner side of bends in SHR arterioles, leading to localized higher shear stress.
Conclusions:
- The automated image correlation system provides accurate in vivo microcirculation blood flow velocity measurements.
- Hypertension in SHR is associated with increased microvessel blood velocity and altered flow dynamics.
- Localized high shear stress in hypertensive conditions may contribute to vascular remodeling and pathology.