Automated computation of functional vascular density using laser speckle imaging in a rodent window chamber model

We report a methodology for computing functional vascular density within a rodent dorsal window chamber model based on long-exposure laser speckle imaging (LSI). This technique relies on the presence of flow to create detailed vasculature maps. Employing this contrast mechanism is not possible using conventional imaging methods. Additionally, a freeware algorithm for computing functional vascular density (FVD) from images acquired using long-exposure LSI is also described to facilitate ease in adopting this method. We demonstrate that together these tools can be used to compute FVD nearly twelve times faster than manual computation, yet with comparable accuracy.

Research highlights► Long-exposure laser speckle imaging is used to create detailed vasculature maps. ► Flow detection facilitates accurate computation of functional vascular density. ► Presented algorithm computes functional vascular density from vasculature maps. ► Algorithm is nearly 12-fold faster and comparably accurate to manual computation.