Near-infrared diffuse optical tomography.
Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is emerging as a viable new biomedical imaging modality. Using near-infrared (NIR) light, this technique probes absorption as well as scattering properties of biological tissues. First commercial instruments are now available that allow users to obtain cross-sectional and volumetric views of various body parts. Currently, the main applications are brain, breast, limb, joint, and fluorescence/bioluminescence imaging. Although the spatial resolution is limited when compared with other imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-ray computerized tomography (CT), DOT provides access to a variety of physiological parameters that otherwise are not accessible, including sub-second imaging of hemodynamics and other fast-changing processes. Furthermore, DOT can be realized in compact, portable instrumentation that allows for bedside monitoring at relatively low cost. In this paper, we present an overview of current state-of-the -art technology, including hardware and image-reconstruction algorithms, and focus on applications in brain and joint imaging. In addition, we present recent results of work on optical tomographic imaging in small animals.
Hielscher
A H
AH
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027-6623, USA. ahh2004@columbia.edu
Bluestone
A Y
AY
Abdoulaev
G S
GS
Klose
A D
AD
Lasker
J
J
Stewart
M
M
Netz
U
U
Beuthan
J
J
D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D004058:Diffusion; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*