An adjustable stabilizing device for imaging the cutaneous microcirculation with Sidestream Dark Field imaging

Abstract

The recent development of hand-held videomicroscopy systems, such as the MicroScan, has provided a useful alternative to traditional capillaroscopy for direct in vivo imaging of the cutaneous microcirculation. Their small size and portability provide greater potential for imaging different areas of the skin under a variety of clinical and experimental conditions. To counteract the issues of movement and pressure artifacts associated with these systems, we developed an adaptable stabilization device for use in conjunction with the MicroScan imaging unit. The design presented here is simple yet effective, and the basic platform can be replicated by others or modified to suit particular clinical or experimental needs or for use with other hand-held microscopy systems.

Keywords: Capillaroscopy; Intravital microscopy; Microcirculation; Skin blood flow; Stabilizer.