Diffuse reflection imaging of sub-epidermal tissue haematocrit using a simple RGB camera

This paper describes the design and evaluation of a novel easy to use, tissue viability imaging system (TiVi). The system is based on the methods of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and polarization spectroscopy. The technique has been developed as an alternative to current imaging technology in the area of microcirculation imaging, most notably optical coherence tomography (OCT) and laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI). The system is based on standard digital camera technology, and is sensitive to red blood cells (RBCs) in the microcirculation. Lack of clinical acceptance of both OCT and LDPI fuels the need for an obiective, simple, reproducible and portable imaging method that can provide accurate measurements related to stimulus vasoactivity in the microvasculature. The limitations of these technologies are discussed in this paper. Uses of the Tissue Viability system include skin care products, drug development, and assessment spatial and temporal aspects of vasodilation (erythema) and vasoconstriction (blanching).