Comparison of OPS imaging and conventional capillary microscopy to study the human microcirculation

Abstract

Orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) imaging is a new clinical technique for observation of the microcirculation of organ surfaces. For validation purposes, we compared OPS images of the nailfold skin with those obtained from conventional capillary microscopy at rest and during venous occlusion in 10 male volunteers. These images were computer analyzed to provide red blood cell velocity and capillary diameters of the same nailfold capillaries at rest and during venous occlusion. Results showed that OPS images provided similar values for red blood cell velocity and capillary diameter as those obtained from capillary microscopy images. OPS imaging, however, provided significantly better image quality, as shown by comparison of image contrast between OPS imaging and capillary microscopy. This made image analysis better and easier to perform. It is anticipated, therefore, that OPS imaging will become a new and powerful technique in the study of the human microcirculation in vivo because it can be used on human internal organs.

Darkfield orthogonal polarized spectral imaging for studying endovascular laser-tissue interactions in vivo-a preliminary study

“…OPS has recently been introduced in the clinical setting to image distinctive microvascular and hematological pathologies associated with different disease states, including (cardio)vascular diseases, cancer, and sepsis [2][3][4]. The imaging technique allows the observation of vascular structures and endovascular constituents (red blood cells and leukocytes) at high contrast [5], and facilitates quantitative measurements of physiological parameters (red blood cell velocity, vasomotion) as well as pathophysiological conditions (ischemia/reperfusion, hemorrhage, tumor angiogenesis) without requiring contrast enhancers or fluorescent dyes [3,[6][7][8][9][10]. In OPS imaging, vascularized tissue is illuminated with linearly polarized light, while the remitted light is imaged through an analyzer (second polarizer) oriented orthogonally to the polarizer.…”

Endothelial Glycocalyx Damage Coincides With Microalbuminuria in Type 1 Diabetes

“…Visualization of the capillary endothelial glycocalyx. To determine the thickness of the endothelial glycocalyx in individual capillary blood vessels, we used orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) imaging of the sublingual microcirculation (Cytoscan; Cytometrics, Philadelphia, PA), which has been extensively validated (20,21). Preceding the systemic glycocalyx volume measurement, images were obtained with a times-five objective (on screen magnification ϫ650).…”

‘Go with the flow ’: A review of methods and advancements in blood flow imaging

“…In fact, results have shown that OPS observation of sublingual microcirculatory alterations provided more sensitive information about patient outcome from sepsis and shock than conventional clinical parameters. OPS imaging as well as SDF imaging are both validated techniques to investigate the microcirculation; reported investigations include that of the hamster dorsal nailfold [148], the human nailfold plexus [60,149], the liver [138] and the sublingual tissues [60].…”