| Abstract [eng] |
Rhythmical contraction of the heart is controlled by the cardiac conduction system (CCS). However, this highly important system visually could not be distinguished from the surrounding heart tissues – myocardium (MC) and connective tissue (CT); therefore during surgical procedures CCS could be damaged. The reliable method for CCS identification either in vivo or ex vivo does not exist therefore there is a definite need for developing a CCS imaging method. Fluorescence spectroscopy studies of cardiac tissues revealed, that most distinct spectral differences between CCS and the surrounding tissues were observed in 400 nm – 550 nm region under excitation from 330 nm – 380 nm region. The visualization method, based on the intensity ratios calculated for two excitation wavelengths, has been established. The calculated ratio R = I(330)/I(380) is different for CCS, CT and MC tissues, therefore the method may be used for identification of CCS. Time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy revealed no significant difference in composition and lifetimes between CCS and MC. On the other hand, the lifetimes and the relative spectral composition of CT differed significantly from those of CCS. Reflection confocal microscopy allows visualizing MC, CT, Purkinje cells and CCS bundles because of different reflection properties of tissue components and their specific distribution inside the tissue. The results of in vivo performed procedure revealed, that the distribution of fluorescence intensities are similar to those, observed during ex vivo experiments, therefore the established CCS identification method, based on intensity ratios, is suitable for cardiac investigations in vivo. |
