Automated analysis of investigational near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging in humans.
ALFIA (Automated Lymphatic Function Imaging Analysis), an algorithm providing quantitative analysis of investigational near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic images, is described. Images from nine human subjects were analyzed for apparent lymphatic propagation velocities and propulsion periods using manual analysis and ALFIA. While lymphatic propulsion was more easily detected using ALFIA than with manual analysis, statistical analyses indicate no significant difference in the apparent lymphatic velocities although ALFIA tended to calculate longer propulsion periods. With the base ALFIA algorithms validated, further automation can now proceed to provide a clinically relevant analytic tool for quantitatively assessing lymphatic function in humans.
Jingdan
J
Zhang
Shaohua Kevin
SK
Zhou
Xiaoyan
X
Xiang
Merrick L
ML
Bautista
Blake A
BA
Niccum
Gabriel S
GS
Dickinson
I-Chih
IC
Tan
Wenyaw
W
Chan
Eva M
EM
Sevick-Muraca
John C
JC
Rasmussen