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Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a clinical non-invasive instrument that provides insight regarding the relative or absolute tissue oxygenation with respect to adequate delivery of oxygen and metabolic demands. The technique capitalizes on the light absorbance properties of heme-containing groups, hemoglobin and myoglobin, with the aim to assess the microvasculature oxygenation kinetics in many clinical populations. NIRS relies on two principles: a) tissue is relatively transparent to near-infrared light and b), the tissue has compounds such as hemoglobin in which light absorption depends on the oxygenation status of the tissue. By measuring light propagation in tissue, NIRS is able to detect changes in the relative concentration of different light-absorbing molecules. There are three main categories of near-infrared light spectrometers: continuous wave, time domain and frequency domain spectrometers. This scoping review is one component of a larger series of reviews assessing perfusion, blood flow, and vascular structure in order to provide guidance for translational research scientists. This review examines 50 studies retrieved from a larger search of databases Embase and Medline. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology underlying NIRS, the equipment and protocol for measuring NIRS, and provide a scoping review for the clinical and translational research applications of NIRS.

Endometriosis is one of the most prominent gynecological disorders often associated with several cardiovascular repercussions. Although no conclusive mechanism has been found, the literature indicates potential links between endometriosis and atherosclerosis, a vital indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, with the majority of previous studies overlooking the impact of critical confounding variables and testing for only certain biomarkers, a strong argument towards a link cannot be made. Existing literature was thoroughly analyzed to identify major unaccounted confounding variables to compile a list of vital biomarkers indicative of CVD in women with endometriosis. The stage and severity of the disease, surgery, hormone therapy, and presence of endometriosis in the control group were found to be major confounding variables that should be statistically accounted for. From previous literature, biomarkers that were shown to be highly indicative of CVD included lipid profile, arterial stiffness measures, as well as additional measures of vascular function and structure. Encapsulating vital confounding variables and biomarkers, a comprehensive framework was established for a longitudinal study design. This paper provides a narrative review of the common weaknesses and limitations of past investigations exploring the link between atherosclerosis and CVD and suggests methods to overcome these considerations. Due to knowledge gaps, repercussions are experienced by women with endometriosis worldwide. Greater CVD intervention and prevention are critical for women with endometriosis. Through the holistic longitudinal study design proposed, improved treatment plans considering the potential CVD risks that women with endometriosis are at a greater likelihood of developing can be implemented.