To see beyond
Modulim’s groundbreaking technology noninvasively measures key biomarkers — tissue oxygen saturation and the concentration and distribution of hemoglobin in the papillary (superficial) and reticular (sub-surface) dermis. This provides clinicians greater insight into oxygen availability and extraction to localized tissue — vital information when caring for patients with compromised circulation.
Every wavelength of light has a signature color
Our patented technology—spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI)—takes the guesswork out of characterizing biological tissue by allowing clinicians to quantify key tissue health biomarkers, objectively and precisely.
The color of objects in the everyday world are a direct result of how they interact with light. Objects appear to be different colors because they absorb some wavelengths of light and reflect others. We all see color differently and often misinterpret the differences between pigments (absorption) and opacity/translucency (scattering). In a clinical or diagnostic setting, that variation and subjectivity in color interpretation can be risky.
Modulim’s technology:
- Quantifies local hemoglobin distribution and oxygenation in tissue layers over a wide area.
- Differentiates between layers of tissue and components due to absorption and scattering.
- Is noninvasive, non-contact, and non-ionizing—which means it does not expose patient to harmful radiation.
- Works significantly faster than traditional imaging—and generates images in seconds.
- Is easily repeatable to monitor progression of disease or results of treatment.
Powered by SFDI
Spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) is the heart of Clarifi’s technology platform and the next generation in optical imaging. Invented by Modulim’s founder and CTO David Cuccia, Ph.D., and his colleagues at UC Irvine’s Beckman Laser Institute, SFDI provides accurate quantitative measurement of tissue oxygen availability, extraction, and saturation by incorporating our patented proprietary processes.
By using the processes shown below, we can better guide clinicians as they make decisions about the best care pathway for their patients.
Light and Tissue
In our circulatory system, hemoglobin delivers oxygen to the tissue. Because of the differences in absorption between oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxyhemoglobin (HbR), it is an excellent measure of tissue oxygenation. These values can then be used to calculate the arterial oxygenation (SaO2), which is one of the factors that reveals how the heart and lungs are functioning.
But there is more to the story.
Oxygen is also delivered and exchanged through the capillaries. At this level, the color and intensity of light output is no longer a simple function of hemoglobin absorption, but instead a complex combination of reflection, absorption, and light scattering (turbidity) from collagen and other tissue structures.
We see a similar scattering phenomenon every day when particles and clouds in the atmosphere scatter sunlight, making the sky appear different colors.
SFDI is a technique for clarifying turbidity non-invasively — like x-rays. However, unlike x-rays which use ionizing radiation, we use visible and near-infrared light, which are more benign and safer for patients and caregivers alike.