A gel-based skin and blood flow model for a Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography (DOCT) imaging system

Since its discovery in 1842 by Christian Johann Doppler, the Doppler Effect has had many applications in the scientific world. In recent years, the phenomenon has been integrated with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) yielding Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography (DOCT), a technique that is useful for high-resolution imaging of the skin microcirculation. However, interpretation of DOCT images is rather challenging. Thus, our study aims to aid understanding of DOCT images with respect to parameters of microcirculation components such as blood vessel size, depth and angular position. To this end, we have constructed a gel-based tissue and blood-flow model for performing DOCT studies under well controlled conditions. We present results from a pilot study using a gel-based tissue and blood flow model. Human blood was pumped through the model at various velocities from a commercial calibrated syringe pump, serving as a standard reference point for all velocity measurements. The range of velocity values was chosen to coincide with that found in the human vasculature. Simultaneous DOCT imaging at different flow rates contributed to establishing the capabilities and limitations of the DOCT system under investigation. We present preliminary results as first step to developing a robust validation protocol with which to aid future research in this area.