Multifunctional in vivo vascular imaging using near-infrared II fluorescence

Guosong Hong, Jerry C. Lee, Joshua T. Robinson, Uwe Raaz, Liming Xie, Ngan F. Huang, John P. Cooke, Hongjie Dai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

720 Scopus citations

Abstract

In vivo real-time epifluorescence imaging of mouse hind limb vasculatures in the second near-infrared region (NIR-II) is performed using single-walled carbon nanotubes as fluorophores. Both high spatial (∼30 μm) and temporal (<200 ms per frame) resolution for small-vessel imaging are achieved at 1-3 mm deep in the hind limb owing to the beneficial NIR-II optical window that affords deep anatomical penetration and low scattering. This spatial resolution is unattainable by traditional NIR imaging (NIR-I) or microscopic computed tomography, and the temporal resolution far exceeds scanning microscopic imaging techniques. Arterial and venous vessels are unambiguously differentiated using a dynamic contrast-enhanced NIR-II imaging technique on the basis of their distinct hemodynamics. Further, the deep tissue penetration and high spatial and temporal resolution of NIR-II imaging allow for precise quantifications of blood velocity in both normal and ischemic femoral arteries, which are beyond the capabilities of ultrasonography at lower blood velocities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1841-1846
Number of pages6
JournalNature Medicine
Volume18
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

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