Advances in translational imaging of the microcirculation

Abstract

Since Johan Christophorous first described nailfold capillaroscopy in 1663 and Giovanni Rasori and Maurice Raynaud studied capillary changes in inflammation and ischemia in the 18th and 19th centuries, 1 interest in the microcirculation has grown significantly.Advances in imaging technologies over the past several decades have enabled clinicians and researchers to visualize and interrogate the microcirculation directly, or measure parameters, traces or indices that reflect the structural and functional status of the microcirculation. Several of these imaging technologies provide quantitative "readouts" that may directly or indirectly be employed as biomarkers. 2,3 Such noninvasive, imaging biomarkers have the potential to improve clinical assessment of the microcirculation and disease diagnosis, and enable long-term monitoring of treatment response. 4

Recent advancement of imaging strategies of the lymphatic system: Answer to the decades old questions

“…The invasive, expensive, and poor resolution techniques have been largely replaced by optical imaging methods which have high spatial (sub μm to μ) and temporal (ms to sec) resolution 18 . Optical imaging uses visible electromagnetic wavelength of light to illuminate the micro‐vasculatures.…”

“…Optical imaging uses visible electromagnetic wavelength of light to illuminate the micro‐vasculatures. In spite of the high resolution of the optical imaging, the low penetration power of the visible light through the tissues limits the use of optical imaging to the superficial vascular beds only 18 …”

“…The invasive, expensive, and poor resolution techniques have been largely replaced by optical imaging methods which have high spatial (sub μm to μ) and temporal (ms to sec) resolution. 18 Optical imaging uses visible electromagnetic wavelength of light to illuminate the micro-vasculatures. In spite of the high resolution of the optical imaging, the low penetration power of the visible light through the tissues limits the use of optical imaging to the superficial vascular beds only.…”

“…In spite of the high resolution of the optical imaging, the low penetration power of the visible light through the tissues limits the use of optical imaging to the superficial vascular beds only. 18…”

Visualizing the Microcirculation

“…The microcirculation comprises the “terminal end” of the systemic circulation 1 and is the interface via which tissues receive oxygen and metabolites, as well as dispose of waste products. It maintains homeostasis and has been implicated in an array of diseases ranging from cancer 2 to COVID‐19 3 .…”