Researchers have developed a non-invasive imaging tool called fast-RSOM that visualizes the body's smallest blood vessels through the skin. This technology identifies early microvascular endothelial dysfunction, a precursor to cardiovascular disease, allowing for earlier interventions. The portable device could integrate into routine checkups to improve heart health outcomes.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich have introduced fast-RSOM, a advanced imaging technique that captures detailed images of microvascular structures without invasive methods. By using light pulses to generate ultrasound signals, it produces 3D views of blood vessels, oxygen levels, and tissue composition beneath the skin—details often missed by conventional scans.
The tool targets microvascular endothelial dysfunction (MiVED), subtle impairments in how tiny vessels dilate and constrict, which signal cardiovascular risks linked to factors like smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity. These changes occur long before symptoms emerge, providing a direct measure of physiological impacts rather than relying on risk estimates alone.
"With fast-RSOM, we can, for the first time, non-invasively assess endothelial dysfunction at single-capillary and skin-layer resolution in humans," stated Dr. Hailong He, a researcher at the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging. His co-first author, Dr. Angelos Karlas, a vascular surgeon at TUM University Hospital, added: "Our novel approach offers an unprecedented view of how cardiovascular disease manifests at the microvascular level."
The study, published in Light: Science in 2026, demonstrates fast-RSOM's potential for high-resolution biomarkers of MiVED. The team aims to validate it in broader patient groups and adapt it for clinical use, given its portable and rapid design. Prof. Vasilis Ntziachristos, director of the Bioengineering Center at Helmholtz Munich, emphasized: "By enabling earlier interventions and more precise monitoring, fast-RSOM could transform how cardiovascular diseases are prevented and managed—improving outcomes for patients and reducing healthcare costs in the long term."
This development builds on RSOM (Raster Scan Optoacoustic Mesoscopy), enhancing early detection for conditions like heart disease and diabetes, potentially making advanced diagnostics more accessible outside research settings.
