A computerized system for densitometric analysis of the microcirculation

Abstract

An analytical system for measuring size, motion, and light absorption of objects in the field of a microscope is described. The design criteria have been chosen to produce a system that permits acquisition of densitometric information at a number of points within the field and permits computation of important variables from the densitometric data. Relatively simple fiber-optics systems for sampling light intensity at selected locations in the microscope field are described. Computer programs are outlined that permit computation of microvessel diameter, red cell velocity, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation. The sampling systems and programs are quite general in nature and should be applicable to other types of related measurements and computing devices.