Multimodal non-invasive assessment of peripheral circulation in chronic limb-threatening ischemia, OptiVasc Project

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) present significant challenges in diagnostics. Current clinical methods rely on a combination of visual and physical inspection of the patient, as well as utilization of expensive, hard to reach equipment that require skilled personnel and utilize ionizing radiation or toxic contrast agents. This project aims to develop a novel angiosome-based diagnostic method that would provide clinicians with all relevant data for diagnosis using only one diagnostic tool. The approach provides real-time spatial information on key parameters such as flow, perfusion, and oxygen delivery by combining thermal imaging (TI) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Other benefits, such as non-invasiveness, non-ionizing imaging, convenience, and improved hygiene, are also associated with the proposed method. The designed clinical measurement setup minimizes extrinsic factors, allowing for controlled, repeatable data collection from both PAD patients and healthy individuals. By combining TI and HSI, this method could offer a more comprehensive and reliable diagnostic tool for PAD, with potential applications in perioperative monitoring and long-term follow-up. The project also aims to create open-source algorithms for data analysis and establish a publicly accessible imaging method. The goal is to improve patient care through better diagnostics and personalized treatment guidance, while promoting open science and collaboration in the fields of medicine, health informatics, and health technology.