Methodology for quantitative assessment of perfusion in porcine model of peripheral arterial disease

Abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the degradation of perfusion in the lower muscles caused by the narrowing of upstream arteries. Currently, the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease rely almost entirely on hemodynamic metrics of major vessels affecting the periphery. Quantitative assessment of peripheral perfusion within muscles of impaired microcirculation is required to improve the understanding of the disease process and surpass the existing limitations in clinical practice. The aim of this study is two-fold. First, I will review recent advancements made in perfusion imaging modalities by providing detailed information about the methods and metrics used for PAD diagnosis and treatment. In the second part, I will describe a revised protocol for applying the gold-standard method for 3D perfusion quantification and mapping the peripheral skeletal musculature with fluorescent microspheres. The defined workflow could provide a reliable way to calibrate other perfusion imaging modalities and foster an understanding of PAD mechanisms.