Visualization of the coronary microcirculation using digital image processing.
A system was constructed to allow direct visualization of the coronary microcirculation of a beating rat heart under a microscope. An electrocardiogram (EKG) triggered strobe is used on the video recording and display system to "stop" the action of the beating heart so the surface microvessels can be directly observed. Experimental results are recorded on videotape and played back for frame-by-frame analysis of the data using digital image extraction, image enhancement and edge detection. The digital image processing techniques are designed for multi-purpose applications using recorded video images.
D000818:Animals; D001699:Biometry; D003201:Computers; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D004562:Electrocardiography; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation; D051381:Rats; D011921:Rats, Inbred WKY; D012984:Software; D014741:Video Recording