Chromophore reconstruction at depth in bilayered media: a method for quantification.

We report a method for deriving the absolute value of absorption coefficients at depth in bilayered media. The method was simplified from that of time-resolved diffuse optical tomography (TR-DOT) into one dimension to validate and set up the main parameters with the help of simulations, and to test it in an easy preclinical model. The method was applied to buried flaps as used in reconstructive surgery, and absolute chromophore concentrations in the flap and in the upper (skin and fat) layer were derived. The encouraging results obtained lay a foundation for developing more complex multidimensional models.