A combination of microendoscopy and spectrophotometry allowing real-time analysis of microcirculatory parameters during in vivo observations.

A combination of microendoscopy (which is a modification of endoscopy with fine rigid endoscopes) and spectrophotometry (which analyses on line the remission spectra from the endoscopic picture) is presented. This setup allows the endoscopic in vivo observation of haemodynamics as well as simultaneous on line determination of intravascular haemoglobin oxygenation. Furthermore, the clearance of intravasally applied tracers can be analysed. Application, results and further evaluation of this new technique are demonstrated in the retinal vessels of the albino rabbit.