Non-invasive imaging of microcirculation: a technology review

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Microcirculation is vital for tissue oxygenation and nutrient exchange.
• Assessing microcirculation is crucial for understanding various pathologies.
• Non-invasive imaging methods are essential for studying microcirculation in vivo.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare non-invasive techniques for microcirculation imaging.
• To highlight the strengths and limitations of current imaging modalities.
• To identify areas for future development in microcirculation assessment.

Main Methods:

• Review of videomicroscopy techniques (orthogonal polarization spectral imaging, sidestream dark-field imaging).
• Review of laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI).
• Review of laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI).

Main Results:

• Videomicroscopy offers direct visualization but may cause pressure artifacts.
• LDPI and LSCI allow non-contact measurements but are sensitive to motion artifacts.
• Current methods have limitations, with an ideal being non-contact videomicroscopy with automated analysis.

Conclusions:

• Non-invasive microcirculation imaging techniques have distinct advantages and drawbacks.
• Further research is needed to develop ideal methods combining high resolution and artifact reduction.
• Advancements in non-invasive imaging will improve the understanding and management of diseases affecting microcirculation.