Current challenges and solutions of Doppler optical coherence tomography and angiography for neuroimaging

The nervous system, based on a complex network of nerves and cells, carries messages by transmitting signals to and from different parts of the body. The supply of blood flow in the nervous system is critical to maintain physiological functions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has the ability to noninvasively image the microvascular networks and accurately quantify the blood flow in vivo with high spatial and temporal resolutions in three dimensions. It has been used to measure changes in blood supplies and assess physiological functions before and after occurrences of diseases, drug administration, and external stimulation in the nervous system, especially in the brain. In this paper, we discuss current challenges of Doppler OCT and angiography in the data processing algorithms and imaging systems for neuroscience research. The advancements and feasible solutions for current challenges are proposed. (C) 2018 Author(s).