[Methods for in vivo investigation of human microcirculation]

Microcirculatory disorders play a major role in the development of organ failure in a variety of conditions. Perfusion changes may be visualized by static and dynamic methods, with direct and indirect techniques. Orthogonal polarization spectral imaging is a novel method of imaging the human microcirculation. The technique employs reflected light without fluorescent dyes and allows clinical assessment of the dynamic of the microvascular network of internal solid organs. Principles of the technique and indications of use are briefly discussed.