VasoTracker 2: Open-source software and hardware for tracking blood vessel diameter and assessing vascular function.

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology and Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Open-Source Scientific Tools

Background:

• Commercial vascular imaging systems are often prohibitively expensive, limiting access to advanced research tools.
• There is a need for accessible, cost-effective platforms for detailed blood vessel diameter measurement and vascular function analysis.
• Existing tools may lack the versatility to handle diverse imaging modalities and experimental conditions in vascular research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce VasoTracker 2, an integrated open-source platform for blood vessel diameter measurement and vascular physiology research.
• To provide researchers with affordable alternatives to expensive commercial systems for studying vascular reactivity and endothelial function.
• To enable multipoint diameter tracking across various imaging techniques and facilitate standardized pressure myography experiments.

Main Methods:

• Development of automated, multipoint diameter tracking software utilizing advanced edge detection algorithms.
• Integration of software with support for brightfield microscopy, fluorescence imaging, and ultrasound recordings.
• Design of modular, low-cost open-source pressure myograph hardware, including a confocal-compatible vessel chamber and the VasoMoto programmable pressure controller.

Main Results:

• VasoTracker 2 software enables precise diameter analysis in branched vessels across multiple imaging modalities.
• Automated pressure protocols facilitate standardized myogenic tone experiments with both real-time and offline data analysis.
• The VasoMoto pressure controller and vessel chamber allow for the construction of a functional pressure myograph system at significantly reduced cost.

Conclusions:

• VasoTracker 2 democratizes advanced vascular research by providing free, open-source software and low-cost hardware.
• The platform's flexibility and cost-effectiveness enhance accessibility for researchers worldwide studying vascular dynamics.
• The open-source nature encourages modification and extension, fostering innovation in vascular physiology research.