Blood flow velocity quantification using split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography with optical coherence...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography (SSADA) enables retinal blood flow imaging without phase information.
• Absolute blood velocity quantification is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring retinal vascular diseases.
• Current SSADA methods lack direct velocity measurement capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a method for absolute blood velocity quantification using SSADA.
• To establish a correlation between SSADA signal measurements and known flow velocities.
• To determine the clinical applicability of SSADA for retinal blood flow velocity measurements.

Main Methods:

• In vitro phantom experiments were conducted using controlled flow velocities.
• The SSADA algorithm was applied to phantom data across multiple time scales.
• A linear regression model was derived to correlate SSADA signal amplitude with absolute flow velocity.

Main Results:

• A robust linear relationship was identified between SSADA signal measurements and preset flow velocities.
• The derived linear model demonstrates the potential for accurate velocity quantification.
• The operating range and limitations of the linear model for clinical application were analyzed.

Conclusions:

• SSADA can be utilized for absolute retinal blood flow velocity quantification.
• The developed linear model provides a foundation for phase-independent velocity measurements in clinical settings.
• This advancement has significant implications for diagnosing and managing retinal vascular conditions.