Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2023

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biomedical Sciences

Advisor

Karissa Tilbury

Second Committee Member

Robert Bowie

Third Committee Member

Michael Mason

Abstract

Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI) is a wide-field optical technique that utilizes spatially modulated selective wavelengths of light to probe biological tissue. Diffuse reflected light from the sample is compared to a table of values, extracted from a photon propagation simulation, to correlate experimental data to optical properties (absorption, scattering). The decoupling of absorption from scattering across multiple wavelengths allows for quantified chromophore content estimation within tissue. Biological chromophores are often associated with physiologic mechanisms and are key to quantifying disease progression. Exploration and verification of novel clinical utility of SFDI is essential for the potential benefit to medical outcomes of a variety of disease states and for adoption of the technology. In this work, the chromophore hemoglobin is used as a key metric for perfusion quality including total blood content in a region of interest and oxygen saturation. We aimed to test this technique in two new applications to add to the growing list of clinical research. Presented in this paper is a brief overview of SFDI, perfusion reactivity analysis of microneedle treatment, and a pilot study utilizing SFDI to analyze diabetic and neuropathic feet in several postural positions. Results from each previously mentioned use case indicate potential sensitivity to physiologic mechanisms such as pressure induced vasodilation, blood pooling, and vascular dysregulation. Additional research into postural regulation effects on perfusion of the diabetic foot is recommended as this pilot study indicated potential for neuropathic damage detection through perfusion metrics.

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