Retinal Capillary Blood Flow measurement

Medical imaging, Medical device

UNMET NEED

Precise information on the hemodynamics of the eye would open numerous opportunities for the early detection of diseases with denaturation of cells in the capillary bed. Retinal capillary blood flow speed measurement has been an objective of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) and laser flowmetry communities for many years. Despite many proposed techniques, accurate measurement of the flow in the lateral direction remains a challenge.

TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

Here we propose a new technique based on a modally-specific photonic lantern (MCPL) giving two distinct lateral point spread function (PSF). During image acquisition, our software uses the ratio of the correlations of the two PSFs to accurately calculate the lateral flow of particles, such as red blood cells. This compact and versatile system advantageously:

  1. Adds to OCT capabilities, into a single instrument
  2. Allows precise and high resolution imaging, down micron-size particles
  3. Suits both human and small animals, for diagnostic and drug discovery, respectively.

This technology will make the retinal capillary blood flow measurement a standard in the Next Generation of OCT devices.
Currently, the system is fully functional in a lab environment, and measurement of the lateral component of the flow speed has been achieved. Demonstration of in vivo capabilities is ongoing in Zebrafish.

 

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

  • High resolution
  • Non-invasive
  • Dye free
  • Low cost: all in one instrument

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

  • Technology available for in-licensing
  • Seeking for industrial partner for co-development
  • Eligibility to government financing for industry/academic program

 

MARKET APPLICATIONS

Ophthalmology:

  • Diagnostic
  • Drug discovery

 

PROTECTION INTELLECTUELLE

  • Patent Pending (Provisional)

CONTACTS

Caroline Boudoux, Ph.D.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Department of Engineering Physics
Polytechnique Montreal

Sébastien Bergeron, Ph. D.

CONTACT PERSON
Project Manager, Life Sciences
Axelys
sebastien.bergeron@axelys.ca