VasoTracker 2 : open-source software and hardware for tracking blood vessel diameter and assessing vascular function

Tools

Lee, Matthew D. and Osborne, Christopher and Stevenson, Ross and MacDonald, Amy and Ebner, Grace and Jeffrey, Danielle A. and Macdonald, Margaret A. and Zhang, Xun and Buckley, Charlotte and Dabertrand, Fabrice and Machin, Daniel R. and Au, Jason and Harraz, Osama F. and Tykocki, Nathan and McCarron, John G. and Wilson, Calum (2025) VasoTracker 2 : open-source software and hardware for tracking blood vessel diameter and assessing vascular function. The Journal of Physiology, 603 (22). pp. 6763-6781. ISSN 1469-7793 (https://doi.org/10.1113/JP289322)

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Abstract

VasoTracker 2 is a collection of open‐source tools for blood vessel diameter measurement and vascular physiology research, featuring automated diameter tracking software and low‐cost myography hardware components. This blood vessel analysis platform addresses the need for accessible alternatives to expensive commercial vascular imaging systems by providing comprehensive tools for studying vessel reactivity and endothelial function. The software enables multipoint diameter tracking in branched vessels using advanced edge detection algorithms, supporting brightfield microscopy, fluorescence imaging and ultrasound recordings. Automated pressure protocols enable standardized myogenic tone experiments, and both real‐time and offline analysis of pre‐recorded data are supported. The platform's versatility allows researchers to study vascular dynamics across diverse experimental conditions, from isolated vessel preparations to in vivo imaging applications. For ex vivo applications, VasoTracker 2 includes modular, low‐cost open‐source pressure myograph hardware: a confocal‐compatible vessel chamber and a programmable pressure controller, VasoMoto. These components enable construction of a complete pressure myograph system at a significantly reduced cost compared to commercial alternatives. The hardware integrates seamlessly with the diameter measurement software.VasoTracker 2 provides free software and low‐cost hardware for vessel diameter analysis, broadening access to advanced vascular research tools. The platform's open‐source nature allows researchers to modify and extend the system for specific applications. This flexibility, combined with significant cost savings, benefits vascular researchers worldwide. image Key points: VasoTracker 2 is an open‐source platform that combines versatile vessel diameter tracking software with modular low‐cost hardware components for vascular physiology research. The software enables multipoint diameter analysis across brightfield, fluorescence and ultrasound imaging modalities. The hardware includes a confocal‐compatible vessel chamber and programmable pressure controller (VasoMoto) that can be assembled into a complete pressure myograph system. The open‐source approach provides researchers with accessible tools for advanced vascular physiology experiments.

ORCID iDs

Lee, Matthew D. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8265-382X, Osborne, Christopher, Stevenson, Ross, MacDonald, Amy, Ebner, Grace, Jeffrey, Danielle A., Macdonald, Margaret A., Zhang, Xun ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0790-4291, Buckley, Charlotte, Dabertrand, Fabrice, Machin, Daniel R., Au, Jason, Harraz, Osama F., Tykocki, Nathan, McCarron, John G. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3302-3984 and Wilson, Calum ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2500-0632;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)