Multiple-capillary measurement of RBC speed, flux, and density with optical coherence tomography

J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2013 Nov;33(11):1707-10. doi: 10.1038/jcbfm.2013.158. Epub 2013 Sep 11.

Abstract

As capillaries exhibit heterogeneous and fluctuating dynamics even during baseline, a technique measuring red blood cell (RBC) speed and flux over many capillaries at the same time is needed. Here, we report that optical coherence tomography can capture individual RBC passage simultaneously over many capillaries located at different depths. Further, we demonstrate the ability to quantify RBC speed, flux, and linear density. This technique will provide a means to monitor microvascular flow dynamics over many capillaries at different depths at the same time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Flow Velocity / physiology*
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Capillaries / diagnostic imaging
  • Capillaries / physiopathology*
  • Cell Count
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology*
  • Erythrocytes / cytology*
  • Erythrocytes / diagnostic imaging
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence*