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Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
Sensitivity analysis of near-infrared functional lymphatic imaging
Michael Weiler1, Timothy Kassis, J Brandon Dixon
1Georgia Institute of Technology, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, IBB 2312, 315 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0405, USA.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|June 28, 2012
Summary
Near-infrared (NIR) imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) quantifies lymphatic function. This technique can detect lymphatic disease and assess real-time functional changes, offering a non-invasive diagnostic alternative.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Lymphatic Physiology
Background:
- Near-infrared (NIR) imaging of indocyanine green (ICG) lymphatic drainage is a novel technology for assessing lymphatic architecture and function.
- Quantitative characterization of NIR imaging's capabilities for diagnosing lymphatic diseases is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively characterize the capabilities of NIR imaging as a diagnostic tool for lymphatic disease.
- To assess the efficacy of NIR imaging in quantifying immediate functional changes in lymphatics.
Main Methods:
- Sensitivity analysis using a tissue phantom.
- In vivo testing in hairless rats.
- Investigating the effects of topical nitric oxide (NO) donor on lymphatic transport.
Main Results:
- Optimal ICG concentration for fluorescence intensity is 150 μg/mL with 60 g/L albumin.
- ICG is detectable up to 6 mm depth, but spatial resolution degrades below 3 mm.
- NO treatment slowed lymphatic transport, indicated by increased transport time, reduced packet frequency, velocity, and contraction length.
Conclusions:
- NIR imaging with ICG provides quantitative assessment of lymphatic function in real time.
- This technique shows potential as a non-invasive alternative to invasive procedures for evaluating lymphatic disorders.
