UC San Diego

Hyperspectral imaging is an imaging modality that combines imaging and spectroscopy in the same system. The ability to combine spectral and spatial information in the same modality allows for spectral analysis at every spatial location in a given image. This thesis will present a novel hyperspectral imaging approach for the study of the microcirculation in vivo. The approach involves the use of a spatial-scanning hyperspectral imaging technique, coupled with an efficient processing pipeline. Much of the literature involving the use of hyperspectral imaging for the study of the microcirculation in vivo has focused in very spatially limited approaches that involve the use of spectral-scanning hyperspectral imaging systems. With the spatial-scanning approach, a wider field of view, and superior spatial resolution is achieved, allowing for better averaging and higher statistical power in the results. Chapter 1 is a brief introduction. Chapter 2 presents a literature review of the different hyperspectral imaging modalities and their respective biomedical applications. A comprehensive review of the current state of the literature regarding the use of hyperspectral imaging for the study of the microcirculation in vivo is also included. Chapter 3 presents a work currently submitted for publication in which a spatial-scanning hyperspectral imaging approach is used to study hypoxia dynamics in a hamster window chamber model. Chapter 4 presents a mathematical modeling of post-hypoxic hemoglobin reoxygenation dynamics in a mouse window chamber, measured by hyperspectral imaging. Finally, Chapter 5 presents the use of hyperspectral imaging for the monitoring of hemoglobin oxygenation dynamics during hemorrhagic shock onset, resuscitation and recovery.