Method of visualizing submicron-size vesicles and particles in blood circulation

摘要

A system for detecting blood flow in blood vessels uses a scanning laser fundus camera and a fluorescent dye-containing carrier such as microcapsules or vesicles. The vesicles may be liposomes or blood cells. The fluorescent dye is contained within the carrier at a concentration to fluoresce when subjected to the laser beam. The carrier may be submicron in size and preferably about 0.02 to 2.0 microns. The fluorescent dye enables the carrier to be visualized by the fundus camera. The fundus camera records the image of the fluorescing carrier in the blood vessel and converts the image to a video signal for viewing or storage.