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Hui X, Rajendran P, Ling T, Dai X, Xing L, Pramanik M. Ultrasound-guided needle tracking with deep learning: A novel approach with photoacoustic ground truth. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2023; 34:100575. [PMID: 38174105 PMCID: PMC10761306 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2023.100575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Accurate needle guidance is crucial for safe and effective clinical diagnosis and treatment procedures. Conventional ultrasound (US)-guided needle insertion often encounters challenges in consistency and precisely visualizing the needle, necessitating the development of reliable methods to track the needle. As a powerful tool in image processing, deep learning has shown promise for enhancing needle visibility in US images, although its dependence on manual annotation or simulated data as ground truth can lead to potential bias or difficulties in generalizing to real US images. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging has demonstrated its capability for high-contrast needle visualization. In this study, we explore the potential of PA imaging as a reliable ground truth for deep learning network training without the need for expert annotation. Our network (UIU-Net), trained on ex vivo tissue image datasets, has shown remarkable precision in localizing needles within US images. The evaluation of needle segmentation performance extends across previously unseen ex vivo data and in vivo human data (collected from an open-source data repository). Specifically, for human data, the Modified Hausdorff Distance (MHD) value stands at approximately 3.73, and the targeting error value is around 2.03, indicating the strong similarity and small needle orientation deviation between the predicted needle and actual needle location. A key advantage of our method is its applicability beyond US images captured from specific imaging systems, extending to images from other US imaging systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xie Hui
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Praveenbalaji Rajendran
- Stanford University, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Tong Ling
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Xianjin Dai
- Stanford University, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Lei Xing
- Stanford University, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Manojit Pramanik
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States
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Lin X, Shi H, Fan X, Wang J, Fu Z, Chen Y, Chen S, Chen X, Chen M. Handheld interventional ultrasound/photoacoustic puncture needle navigation based on deep learning segmentation. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:5979-5993. [PMID: 38021141 PMCID: PMC10659795 DOI: 10.1364/boe.504999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Interventional ultrasound (US) has challenges in accurate localization of the puncture needle due to intrinsic acoustic interferences, which lead to blurred, indistinct, and even invisible needles in handheld linear array transducer-based US navigation, especially the incorrect needle tip positioning. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging can provide complementary image contrast, without additional data acquisition. Herein, we proposed an internal illumination to solely light up the needle tip in PA imaging. Then deep-learning-based feature segmentation alleviates acoustic interferences, enhancing the needle shaft-tip visibility. Further, needle shaft-tip compensation aligned the needle shaft in US image and the needle tip in the PA image. The experiments on phantom, ex vivo chicken breast, preclinical radiofrequency ablation and in vivo biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes were piloted. The target registration error can reach the submillimeter level, achieving precise puncture needle tracking ability with in-plane US/PA navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangwei Lin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Ave, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Hongji Shi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Ave, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Xiaozhou Fan
- Department of Ultrasound, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Medical University, 30 Fucheng Road, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Huandong Road, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhenyu Fu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Ave, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Ave, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Siping Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Ave, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Ave, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Mian Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Ave, Shenzhen 518057, China
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Ito Y, Ishii T, Yamazaki S, Yoshida A, Nagaya K, Saijo Y. Evaluation of temperature-dependent fluctuations in skin microcirculation flow using a light-emitting diode based photoacoustic imaging device. J Clin Monit Comput 2023; 37:1361-1367. [PMID: 37166692 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-023-01026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Skin microvessels maintain temperature homeostasis by contracting and dilating upon exposure to changes in temperature. Under general anesthesia, surgical invasiveness, including incisions and coagulation, and the effects of anesthetics may cause variations in the threshold temperature, leading to the constriction and dilation of cutaneous blood vessels. Therefore, studies on skin microvascular circulation are necessary to develop appropriate interventions for complications during surgery. METHODS We visualized and quantified skin microcirculatory fluctuations associated with temperature variations using a light-emitting diode photoacoustic imaging (LED-PAI) device. The hands of ten healthy volunteers were stressed with four different water temperatures [25℃ (Control), 15℃ (Cold1), 40℃ (Warm), and 15℃ (Cold2)]. The photoacoustic images of the fingers were taken under each condition, and the microvascular flow owing to temperature stress was quantified as the area of photoacoustic signal (S) in each image. The S values were compared with the variations in blood flow (Q) measured by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). RESULTS The correlation between Q and S according to the 40 measurements was r = 0.45 (p<0.01). In addition, the values of S under each stress condition were as follows: Scontrol = 10,826 ± 3364 pixels, Scold1 = 8825 ± 2484 pixels, Swarm = 13,369 ± 3001 pixels, and Scold2 = 8838 ± 1892 pixels; the differences were significant. The LDF blood flow (Q) showed similar changes among conditions. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the LED-PAI device could be an option for evaluating microcirculation in association with changes in temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Ito
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
- Department of Anesthesia, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, 983-8512, Japan.
| | - Takuro Ishii
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Shin Yamazaki
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Akiko Yoshida
- Department of Anesthesia, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, 983-8512, Japan
| | - Kei Nagaya
- Department of Anesthesia, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, 983-8512, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Saijo
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
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Liu X, Kalva SK, Lafci B, Nozdriukhin D, Deán-Ben XL, Razansky D. Full-view LED-based optoacoustic tomography. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2023; 31:100521. [PMID: 37342502 PMCID: PMC10277581 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2023.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Optoacoustic tomography is commonly performed with bulky and expensive short-pulsed solid-state lasers providing high per-pulse energies in the millijoule range. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) represent a cost-effective and portable alternative for optoacoustic signal excitation that can additionally provide excellent pulse-to-pulse stability. Herein, we introduce a full-view LED-based optoacoustic tomography (FLOAT) system for deep tissue in vivo imaging. It is based on a custom-made electronic unit driving a stacked array of LEDs, which attains 100 ns pulse width and highly stable (0.62 % standard deviation) total per-pulse energy of 0.48 mJ. The illumination source is integrated into a circular array of cylindrically-focused ultrasound detection elements to result in a full-view tomographic configuration, which plays a critical role in circumventing limited-view effects, enhancing the effective field-of-view and image quality for cross-sectional (2D) imaging. We characterized the FLOAT performance in terms of pulse width, power stability, excitation light distribution, signal-to-noise and penetration depth. FLOAT of the human finger revealed a comparable imaging performance to that achieved with the standard pulsed Nd:YAG laser. It is anticipated that this compact, affordable and versatile illumination technology will facilitate optoacoustic imaging developments in resource-limited settings for biological and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Liu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Sandeep Kumar Kalva
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Berkan Lafci
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Daniil Nozdriukhin
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Xosé Luís Deán-Ben
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Razansky
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich CH-8093, Switzerland
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Arranz-Paraiso D, Baeza-Moyano D, González-Lezcano RA. Sound and Light Waves in Healthy Environments. ADVANCES IN RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL STUDIES 2023:145-162. [DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-6924-8.ch007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Architects need the freedom to design their projects with the assurance that they will be inspiring aesthetic as well as healthy places, i.e., buildings, streets, parks, avenues, and squares that offer a complete living experience in an environment that takes into account light, sound, vibration, climate, and all those aspects that can disturb people's well-being. We know that prolonged exposure to noise can cause discomfort and sleep disorders, which affect the quality of life. This noise is not the only pollutant as there are other sound waves such as infrasound and ultrasound that are not perceptible but potentially harmful to health. Not forgetting electromagnetic waves, the light that reaches our bodies and which has regulated our lives throughout the existence of the species. The invention of electric lighting had the consequence that people spend practically all day indoors. Days are poorly illuminated, and the nights have too much light. On the other hand, the intensity of artificial light is a fraction of that of daylight and the spectral composition is also different.
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Van Heumen S, Riksen JJ, Singh MKA, Van Soest G, Vasilic D. LED-based photoacoustic imaging for preoperative visualization of lymphatic vessels in patients with secondary limb lymphedema. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2023; 29:100446. [PMID: 36632606 PMCID: PMC9826814 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2022.100446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Lymphedema is the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium (i.e., dermal backflow (DBF)). Preoperative imaging of the lymphatic vessels is a prerequisite for lymphovenous bypass surgical planning. We investigated the visualization of lymphatic vessels and veins using light-emitting diode (LED)-based photoacoustic imaging (PAI). Indocyanine-green mediated near-infrared fluorescence lymphography (NIRF-L) was done in fifteen patients with secondary limb lymphedema. Photoacoustic images were acquired in locations where lymphatic vessels and DBF were observed with NIRF-L. We demonstrated that LED-based PAI can visualize and differentiate lymphatic vessels and veins even in the presence of DBF. We observed lymphatic and blood vessels up to depths of 8.3 and 8.6 mm, respectively. Superficial lymphatic vessels and veins can be visualized using LED-based PAI even in the presence of DBF showing the potential for pre-operative assessment. Further development of the technique is needed to improve its usability in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Van Heumen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jonas J.M. Riksen
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Gijs Van Soest
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dalibor Vasilic
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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7
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Tsunoi Y, Sato N, Nishidate I, Ichihashi F, Saitoh D, Sato S. Burn depth assessment by dual-wavelength light emitting diodes-excited photoacoustic imaging in rats. Wound Repair Regen 2023; 31:69-76. [PMID: 36177703 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Accurate burn depth assessment is crucial to determine treatment plans for burn patients. We have previously proposed a method for performing burn depth assessments based on photoacoustic (PA) imaging, and we have demonstrated the validity of this method, which allows the successful detection of PA signals originating from the blood under the bloodless burned tissue, using rat burn models. Based on these findings, we started a clinical study in which we faced two technical issues: (1) When the burn depth was shallow, PA signals due to skin contamination and/or melanin in the epidermis (surface signals) could not be distinguished from PA signals originating from the blood in the dermis; (2) the size of the system was too large. To solve these issues, we propose a burn depth diagnosis based on dual-wavelength light emitting diodes (LEDs)-excited PA imaging. The use of LEDs rendered the system compact compared to the previous one that used a conventional solid-state laser. We replicated human burned skin by applying a titrated synthetic melanin solution onto the wound surface in albino rat burn models and measured their burn depths by PA excitation at 690 and 850 nm, where melanin and haemoglobin show greatly different absorption coefficients. As a result, the surface signals were eliminated by subtracting the PA signals at 690 nm from those at 850 nm. The resultant estimated burn depths were strongly correlated with the histological assessment results. The validity of the proposed method was also examined using a burn model of rats with real melanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Tsunoi
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Naoto Sato
- Research and Development Department, Cyberdyne, Inc, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Izumi Nishidate
- Graduate School of Bio-application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiyuki Ichihashi
- Research and Development Department, Cyberdyne, Inc, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Daizoh Saitoh
- Division of Basic Traumatology, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shunichi Sato
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
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Shi M, Vercauteren T, Xia W. Spatiotemporal singular value decomposition for denoising in photoacoustic imaging with a low-energy excitation light source. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 13:6416-6430. [PMID: 36589568 PMCID: PMC9774869 DOI: 10.1364/boe.471198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is an emerging hybrid imaging modality that combines rich optical spectroscopic contrast and high ultrasonic resolution, and thus holds tremendous promise for a wide range of pre-clinical and clinical applications. Compact and affordable light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes (LDs) are promising alternatives to bulky and expensive solid-state laser systems that are commonly used as PA light sources. These could accelerate the clinical translation of PA technology. However, PA signals generated with these light sources are readily degraded by noise due to the low optical fluence, leading to decreased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in PA images. In this work, a spatiotemporal singular value decomposition (SVD) based PA denoising method was investigated for these light sources that usually have low fluence and high repetition rates. The proposed method leverages both spatial and temporal correlations between radiofrequency (RF) data frames. Validation was performed on simulations and in vivo PA data acquired from human fingers (2D) and forearm (3D) using a LED-based system. Spatiotemporal SVD greatly enhanced the PA signals of blood vessels corrupted by noise while preserving a high temporal resolution to slow motions, improving the SNR of in vivo PA images by 90.3%, 56.0%, and 187.4% compared to single frame-based wavelet denoising, averaging across 200 frames, and single frame without denoising, respectively. With a fast processing time of SVD (∼50 µs per frame), the proposed method is well suited to PA imaging systems with low-energy excitation light sources for real-time in vivo applications.
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Shi M, Bodian S, West SJ, Sathasivam S, Gordon RJ, Collier P, Vercauteren T, Desjardins AE, Noimark S, Xia W. Enhanced Photoacoustic Visualisation of Clinical Needles by Combining Interstitial and Extracorporeal Illumination of Elastomeric Nanocomposite Coatings. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:6417. [PMID: 36080876 PMCID: PMC9460224 DOI: 10.3390/s22176417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) image guidance is widely used for minimally invasive procedures, but the invasive medical devices (such as metallic needles), especially their tips, can be poorly visualised in US images, leading to significant complications. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is promising for visualising invasive devices and peripheral tissue targets. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) acting as PA excitation sources facilitate the clinical translation of PA imaging, but the image quality is degraded due to the low pulse energy leading to insufficient contrast with needles at deep locations. In this paper, photoacoustic visualisation of clinical needles was enhanced by elastomeric nanocomposite coatings with superficial and interstitial illumination. Candle soot nanoparticle-polydimethylsiloxane (CSNP-PDMS) composites with high optical absorption and large thermal expansion coefficients were applied onto the needle exterior and the end-face of an optical fibre placed in the needle lumen. The excitation light was delivered at the surface by LED arrays and through the embedded optical fibre by a pulsed diode laser to improve the visibility of the needle tip. The performance was validated using an ex-vivo tissue model. An LED-based PA/US imaging system was used for imaging the needle out-of-plane and in-plane insertions over approach angles of 20 deg to 55 deg. The CSNP-PDMS composite conferred substantial visual enhancements on both the needle shaft and the tip, with an average of 1.7- and 1.6-fold improvements in signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), respectively. With the extended light field involving extracorporeal and interstitial illumination and the highly absorbing coatings, enhanced visualisation of the needle shaft and needle tip was achieved with PA imaging, which could be helpful in current US-guided minimally invasive surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Shi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Semyon Bodian
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, London W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Simeon J. West
- Department of Anaesthesia, University College Hospital, London NW1 2BU, UK
| | - Sanjayan Sathasivam
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK or
- School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK
| | | | - Paul Collier
- Johnson Matthey Technology Centre, Reading RG4 9NH, UK
| | - Tom Vercauteren
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Adrien E. Desjardins
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, London W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Sacha Noimark
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, London W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Wenfeng Xia
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
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Shi M, Zhao T, West SJ, Desjardins AE, Vercauteren T, Xia W. Improving needle visibility in LED-based photoacoustic imaging using deep learning with semi-synthetic datasets. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2022; 26:100351. [PMID: 35495095 PMCID: PMC9048160 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2022.100351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging has shown great potential for guiding minimally invasive procedures by accurate identification of critical tissue targets and invasive medical devices (such as metallic needles). The use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the excitation light sources accelerates its clinical translation owing to its high affordability and portability. However, needle visibility in LED-based photoacoustic imaging is compromised primarily due to its low optical fluence. In this work, we propose a deep learning framework based on U-Net to improve the visibility of clinical metallic needles with a LED-based photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system. To address the complexity of capturing ground truth for real data and the poor realism of purely simulated data, this framework included the generation of semi-synthetic training datasets combining both simulated data to represent features from the needles and in vivo measurements for tissue background. Evaluation of the trained neural network was performed with needle insertions into blood-vessel-mimicking phantoms, pork joint tissue ex vivo and measurements on human volunteers. This deep learning-based framework substantially improved the needle visibility in photoacoustic imaging in vivo compared to conventional reconstruction by suppressing background noise and image artefacts, achieving 5.8 and 4.5 times improvements in terms of signal-to-noise ratio and the modified Hausdorff distance, respectively. Thus, the proposed framework could be helpful for reducing complications during percutaneous needle insertions by accurate identification of clinical needles in photoacoustic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Shi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Tianrui Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Simeon J. West
- Department of Anaesthesia, University College Hospital, London NW1 2BU, United Kingdom
| | - Adrien E. Desjardins
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, London W1 W 7TY, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Vercauteren
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Wenfeng Xia
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
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Fully Customized Photoacoustic System Using Doubly Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser and Multiple Axes Stages for Laboratory Applications. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22072621. [PMID: 35408235 PMCID: PMC9002370 DOI: 10.3390/s22072621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We developed a customized doubly Q-switched laser that can control the pulse width to easily find weak acoustic signals for photoacoustic (PA) systems. As the laser was constructed using an acousto-optic Q-switcher, in contrast to the existing commercial laser system, it is easier to control the pulse repetition rate and pulse width. The laser has the following control ranges: 10 Hz–10 kHz for the pulse repetition rate, 40–150 ns for the pulse width, and 50–500 μJ for the pulse energy. Additionally, a custom-made modularized sample stage was used to develop a fully customized PA system. The modularized sample stage has a nine-axis control unit design for the PA system, allowing the sample target and transducer to be freely adjusted. This makes the system suitable for capturing weak PA signals. Images were acquired and processed for widely used sample targets (hair and insulating tape) with the developed fully customized PA system. The customized doubly Q-switched laser-based PA imaging system presented in this paper can be modified for diverse conditions, including the wavelength, frequency, pulse width, and sample target; therefore, we expect that the proposed technique will be helpful in conducting fundamental and applied research for PA imaging system applications.
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Gao S, Tsumura R, Vang DP, Bisland K, Xu K, Tsunoi Y, Zhang HK. Acoustic-resolution photoacoustic microscope based on compact and low-cost delta configuration actuator. ULTRASONICS 2022; 118:106549. [PMID: 34474357 PMCID: PMC8530928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2021.106549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The state-of-the-art configurations for acoustic-resolution photoacoustic (PA) microscope (AR-PAM) are large in size and expensive, hindering their democratization. While previous research on AR-PAMs introduced a low-cost light source to reduce the cost, few studies have investigated the possibility of optimizing the sensor actuation, particularly for the AR-PAM. Additionally, there is an unmet need to evaluate the image quality deterioration associated with the actuation inaccuracy. A low-cost actuation device is introduced to reduce the system size and cost of the AR-PAM while maintaining the image quality by implementing the advanced beamformers. This work proposes an AR-RAM incorporating the delta configuration actuator adaptable from a low-cost off-the-shelf 3D printer as the sensor actuation device. The image degradation due to the data acquisition positioning inaccuracy is evaluated in the simulation. We further assess the mitigation of potential actuation precision uncertainty through advanced 3D synthetic aperture focusing algorithms represented by the Delay-and-Sum (DAS) with Coherence Factor (DAS+CF) and Delay-Multiply-and-Sum (DMAS) algorithms. The simulation study demonstrated the tolerance of image quality on actuation inaccuracy and the effect of compensating the actuator motion precision error through advanced reconstruction algorithms. With those algorithms, the image quality degradation was suppressed to within 25% with the presence of 0.2 mm motion inaccuracy. The experimental evaluation using phantoms and an ex-vivo sample presented the applicability of low-cost delta configuration actuators for AR-PAMs. The measured full width at half maximum of the 0.2 mm diameter pencil-lead phantom were 0.45 ± 0.06 mm, 0.31 ± 0.04 mm, and 0.35 ± 0.07 mm, by applying the DAS, DAS+CF, and DMAS algorithms, respectively. AR-PAMs with a compact and low-cost delta configuration provide high-quality PA imaging with better accessibility for biomedical applications. The research evaluated the image degradation contributed by the actuation inaccuracy and suggested that the advanced beamformers are capable of suppressing the actuation inaccuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Gao
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Robotics Engineering, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester 01609, United States
| | - Ryosuke Tsumura
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Robotics Engineering, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester 01609, United States; Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester 01609, United States
| | - Doua P Vang
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester 01609, United States
| | - Keion Bisland
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Robotics Engineering, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester 01609, United States
| | - Keshuai Xu
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Computer Science, Baltimore 21218, United States
| | - Yasuyuki Tsunoi
- National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Japan
| | - Haichong K Zhang
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Robotics Engineering, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester 01609, United States; Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester 01609, United States; Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Computer Science, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester 01609, United States.
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13
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Palma-Chavez J, Pfefer TJ, Agrawal A, Jokerst JV, Vogt WC. Review of consensus test methods in medical imaging and current practices in photoacoustic image quality assessment. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2021; 26:JBO-210176VSSR. [PMID: 34510850 PMCID: PMC8434148 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.26.9.090901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a powerful emerging technology with broad clinical applications, but consensus test methods are needed to standardize performance evaluation and accelerate translation. AIM To review consensus image quality test methods for mature imaging modalities [ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-ray CT, and x-ray mammography], identify best practices in phantom design and testing procedures, and compare against current practices in PAI phantom testing. APPROACH We reviewed scientific papers, international standards, clinical accreditation guidelines, and professional society recommendations describing medical image quality test methods. Observations are organized by image quality characteristics (IQCs), including spatial resolution, geometric accuracy, imaging depth, uniformity, sensitivity, low-contrast detectability, and artifacts. RESULTS Consensus documents typically prescribed phantom geometry and material property requirements, as well as specific data acquisition and analysis protocols to optimize test consistency and reproducibility. While these documents considered a wide array of IQCs, reported PAI phantom testing focused heavily on in-plane resolution, depth of visualization, and sensitivity. Understudied IQCs that merit further consideration include out-of-plane resolution, geometric accuracy, uniformity, low-contrast detectability, and co-registration accuracy. CONCLUSIONS Available medical image quality standards provide a blueprint for establishing consensus best practices for photoacoustic image quality assessment and thus hastening PAI technology advancement, translation, and clinical adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Palma-Chavez
- University of California San Diego, Department of NanoEngineering, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - T. Joshua Pfefer
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Anant Agrawal
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Jesse V. Jokerst
- University of California San Diego, Department of NanoEngineering, La Jolla, California, United States
- University of California San Diego, Department of Radiology, La Jolla, California, United States
- University of California San Diego, Materials Science and Engineering Program, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - William C. Vogt
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
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Annular Fiber Probe for Interstitial Illumination in Photoacoustic Guidance of Radiofrequency Ablation. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21134458. [PMID: 34209996 PMCID: PMC8271966 DOI: 10.3390/s21134458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Unresectable liver tumors are commonly treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA). However, this technique is associated with high recurrence rates due to incomplete tumor ablation. Accurate image guidance of the RFA procedure contributes to successful ablation, but currently used imaging modalities have shortcomings in device guidance and treatment monitoring. We explore the potential of using photoacoustic (PA) imaging combined with conventional ultrasound (US) imaging for real-time RFA guidance. To overcome the low penetration depth of light in tissue, we have developed an annular fiber probe (AFP), which can be inserted into tissue enabling interstitial illumination of tissue. The AFP is a cannula with 72 optical fibers that allows an RFA device to slide through its lumen, thereby enabling PA imaging for RFA device guidance and ablation monitoring. We show that the PA signal from interstitial illumination is not affected by absorber-to-surface depth compared to extracorporeal illumination. We also demonstrate successful imaging of the RFA electrodes, a blood vessel mimic, a tumor-mimicking phantom, and ablated liver tissue boundaries in ex vivo chicken and bovine liver samples. PA-assisted needle guidance revealed clear needle tip visualization, a notable improvement to current US needle guidance. Our probe shows potential for RFA device guidance and ablation detection, which potentially aids in real-time monitoring.
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Joseph J, Ajith Singh MK, Sato N, Bohndiek SE. Technical validation studies of a dual-wavelength LED-based photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2021; 22:100267. [PMID: 33948434 PMCID: PMC8080074 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2021.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in high power, pulsed, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have shown potential as fast, robust and relatively inexpensive excitation sources for photoacoustic imaging (PAI), yet systematic characterization of performance for biomedical imaging is still lacking. We report here technical and biological validation studies of a commercial dual-wavelength LED-based PAI and ultrasound system. Phantoms and small animals were used to assess temporal precision. In phantom studies, we found high temporal stability of the LED-based PAI system, with no significant drift in performance observed during 6 h of operation or over 30 days of repeated measurements. In vivo dual-wavelength imaging was able to map the dynamics of changes in blood oxygenation during oxygen-enhanced imaging and reveal the kinetics of indocyanine green contrast agent inflow after intravenous administration (Tmax∼6 min). Taken together, these studies indicate that LED-based excitation could be promising for future application in functional and molecular PAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Joseph
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
- Now at School of Science and Engineering, Fulton Building, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN, UK
| | | | - Naoto Sato
- Research and Development Division, CYBERDYNE INC, Tsukuba, 305-0818, Japan
| | - Sarah E. Bohndiek
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
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Yao J, Wang LV. Perspective on fast-evolving photoacoustic tomography. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2021; 26:JBO-210105-PERR. [PMID: 34196136 PMCID: PMC8244998 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.26.6.060602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Acoustically detecting the rich optical absorption contrast in biological tissues, photoacoustic tomography (PAT) seamlessly bridges the functional and molecular sensitivity of optical excitation with the deep penetration and high scalability of ultrasound detection. As a result of continuous technological innovations and commercial development, PAT has been playing an increasingly important role in life sciences and patient care, including functional brain imaging, smart drug delivery, early cancer diagnosis, and interventional therapy guidance. AIM Built on our 2016 tutorial article that focused on the principles and implementations of PAT, this perspective aims to provide an update on the exciting technical advances in PAT. APPROACH This perspective focuses on the recent PAT innovations in volumetric deep-tissue imaging, high-speed wide-field microscopic imaging, high-sensitivity optical ultrasound detection, and machine-learning enhanced image reconstruction and data processing. Representative applications are introduced to demonstrate these enabling technical breakthroughs in biomedical research. CONCLUSIONS We conclude the perspective by discussing the future development of PAT technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Yao
- Duke University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Lihong V. Wang
- California Institute of Technology, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
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17
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Chen Q, Qin W, Qi W, Xi L. Progress of clinical translation of handheld and semi-handheld photoacoustic imaging. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2021; 22:100264. [PMID: 33868921 PMCID: PMC8040335 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2021.100264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging (PAI), featuring rich contrast, high spatial/temporal resolution and deep penetration, is one of the fastest-growing biomedical imaging technology over the last decade. To date, numbers of handheld and semi-handheld photoacoustic imaging devices have been reported with corresponding potential clinical applications. Here, we summarize emerged handheld and semi-handheld systems in terms of photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT), optoacoustic mesoscopy (OAMes), and photoacoustic microscopy (PAM). We will discuss each modality in three aspects: laser delivery, scanning protocol, and acoustic detection. Besides new technical developments, we also review the associated clinical studies, and the advantages/disadvantages of these new techniques. In the end, we propose the challenges and perspectives of miniaturized PAI in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Wei Qin
- School of Physics, University of Electronics Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Weizhi Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Lei Xi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
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18
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Wiacek A, Lediju Bell MA. Photoacoustic-guided surgery from head to toe [Invited]. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 12:2079-2117. [PMID: 33996218 PMCID: PMC8086464 DOI: 10.1364/boe.417984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging-the combination of optics and acoustics to visualize differences in optical absorption - has recently demonstrated strong viability as a promising method to provide critical guidance of multiple surgeries and procedures. Benefits include its potential to assist with tumor resection, identify hemorrhaged and ablated tissue, visualize metal implants (e.g., needle tips, tool tips, brachytherapy seeds), track catheter tips, and avoid accidental injury to critical subsurface anatomy (e.g., major vessels and nerves hidden by tissue during surgery). These benefits are significant because they reduce surgical error, associated surgery-related complications (e.g., cancer recurrence, paralysis, excessive bleeding), and accidental patient death in the operating room. This invited review covers multiple aspects of the use of photoacoustic imaging to guide both surgical and related non-surgical interventions. Applicable organ systems span structures within the head to contents of the toes, with an eye toward surgical and interventional translation for the benefit of patients and for use in operating rooms and interventional suites worldwide. We additionally include a critical discussion of complete systems and tools needed to maximize the success of surgical and interventional applications of photoacoustic-based technology, spanning light delivery, acoustic detection, and robotic methods. Multiple enabling hardware and software integration components are also discussed, concluding with a summary and future outlook based on the current state of technological developments, recent achievements, and possible new directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alycen Wiacek
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 3400 N. Charles St., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Muyinatu A. Lediju Bell
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 3400 N. Charles St., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 3400 N. Charles St., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Department of Computer Science, 3400 N. Charles St., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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Chandramoorthi S, Thittai AK. Extending Imaging Depth in PLD-Based Photoacoustic Imaging: Moving Beyond Averaging. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2021; 68:549-557. [PMID: 32784132 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2020.3015130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pulsed laser diodes (PLDs) promise to be an attractive alternative to solid-state laser sources in photoacoustic tomography (PAT) due to their portability, high-pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and cost effectiveness. However, due to their lower energy per pulse, which, in turn, results in lower fluence required per photoacoustic signal generation, PLD-based photoacoustic systems generally have maximum imaging depth that is lower in comparison to solid-state lasers. Averaging of multiple frames is usually employed as a common practice in high PRF PLD systems to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the PAT images. In this work, we demonstrate that by combining the recently described approach of subpitch translation on the receive-side ultrasound transducer alongside averaging of multiple frames, it is feasible to increase the depth sensitivity in a PLD-based PAT imaging system. Here, experiments on phantom containing diluted India ink targets were performed at two different laser energy level settings, that is, 21 and [Formula: see text]. Results obtained showed that the imaging depth improves by ~38.5% from 9.1 to 12.6 mm for 21- [Formula: see text] energy level setting and by ~33.3% from 10.8 to 14.4 mm for 27- [Formula: see text] energy level setting by using λ /4-pitch translation and average of 128 frames in comparison to λ -pitch data acquired with the average of 128 frames. However, the achievable frame rate is reduced by a factor of 2 and 4 for λ /2 and λ /4 subpitch translation, respectively.
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20
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Das D, Sharma A, Rajendran P, Pramanik M. Another decade of photoacoustic imaging. Phys Med Biol 2020; 66. [PMID: 33361580 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/abd669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging - a hybrid biomedical imaging modality finding its way to clinical practices. Although the photoacoustic phenomenon was known more than a century back, only in the last two decades it has been widely researched and used for biomedical imaging applications. In this review we focus on the development and progress of the technology in the last decade (2010-2020). From becoming more and more user friendly, cheaper in cost, portable in size, photoacoustic imaging promises a wide range of applications, if translated to clinic. The growth of photoacoustic community is steady, and with several new directions researchers are exploring, it is inevitable that photoacoustic imaging will one day establish itself as a regular imaging system in the clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiman Das
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, SINGAPORE
| | - Arunima Sharma
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, SINGAPORE
| | - Praveenbalaji Rajendran
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, SINGAPORE
| | - Manojit Pramanik
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, N1.3-B2-11, Singapore, 637457, SINGAPORE
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21
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Kuniyil Ajith Singh M, Xia W. Portable and Affordable Light Source-Based Photoacoustic Tomography. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E6173. [PMID: 33138296 PMCID: PMC7663770 DOI: 10.3390/s20216173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging is a hybrid imaging modality that offers the advantages of optical (spectroscopic contrast) and ultrasound imaging (scalable spatial resolution and imaging depth). This promising modality has shown excellent potential in a wide range of preclinical and clinical imaging and sensing applications. Even though photoacoustic imaging technology has matured in research settings, its clinical translation is not happening at the expected pace. One of the main reasons for this is the requirement of bulky and expensive pulsed lasers for excitation. To accelerate the clinical translation of photoacoustic imaging and explore its potential in resource-limited settings, it is of paramount importance to develop portable and affordable light sources that can be used as the excitation light source. In this review, we focus on the following aspects: (1) the basic theory of photoacoustic imaging; (2) inexpensive light sources and different implementations; and (3) important preclinical and clinical applications, demonstrated using affordable light source-based photoacoustics. The main focus will be on laser diodes and light-emitting diodes as they have demonstrated promise in photoacoustic tomography-the key technological developments in these areas will be thoroughly reviewed. We believe that this review will be a useful opus for both the beginners and experts in the field of biomedical photoacoustic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithun Kuniyil Ajith Singh
- Research and Business Development Division, CYBERDYNE INC., Stationsplein 45, A4.004, 3013 AK Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Wenfeng Xia
- School of Biomedical Engineering& Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, St Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK
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22
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Xavierselvan M, Singh MKA, Mallidi S. In Vivo Tumor Vascular Imaging with Light Emitting Diode-Based Photoacoustic Imaging System. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E4503. [PMID: 32806575 PMCID: PMC7472236 DOI: 10.3390/s20164503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Photoacoustic (PA) imaging has shown tremendous promise for imaging tumor vasculature and its function at deeper penetration depths without the use of exogenous contrast agents. Traditional PA imaging systems employ expensive and bulky class IV lasers with low pulse repetition rate, due to which its availability for preclinical cancer research is hampered. In this study, we evaluated the capability of a Light-Emitting Diode (LED)-based PA and ultrasound (US) imaging system for monitoring heterogeneous microvasculature in tumors (up to 10 mm in depth) and quantitatively compared the PA images with gold standard histology images. We used a combination of a 7 MHz linear array US transducer and 850 nm excitation wavelength LED arrays to image blood vessels in a subcutaneous tumor model. After imaging, the tumors were sectioned and stained for endothelial cells to correlate with PA images across similar cross-sections. Analysis of 30 regions of interest in tumors from different mice showed a statistically significant R-value of 0.84 where the areas with high blood vessel density had high PA response while low blood vessel density regions had low PA response. Our results confirm that LED-based PA and US imaging can provide 2D and 3D images of tumor vasculature and the potential it has as a valuable tool for preclinical cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Xavierselvan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA;
| | - Mithun Kuniyil Ajith Singh
- Research & Business Development Division, Cyberdyne INC, Cambridge Innovation Center, 3013 Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Srivalleesha Mallidi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA;
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Multiangle Long-Axis Lateral Illumination Photoacoustic Imaging Using Linear Array Transducer. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20144052. [PMID: 32708170 PMCID: PMC7411732 DOI: 10.3390/s20144052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) combines optical contrast with ultrasound spatial resolution and can be obtained up to a depth of a few centimeters. Hand-held PAI systems using linear array usually operate in reflection mode using a dark-field illumination scheme, where the optical fiber output is attached to both sides of the elevation plane (short-axis) of the transducer. More recently, bright-field strategies where the optical illumination is coaxial with acoustic detection have been proposed to overcome some limitations of the standard dark-field approach. In this paper, a novel multiangle long-axis lateral illumination is proposed. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to evaluate light delivery for three different illumination schemes: bright-field, standard dark-field, and long-axis lateral illumination. Long-axis lateral illumination showed remarkable improvement in light delivery for targets with a width smaller than the transducer lateral dimension. A prototype was developed to experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. In this device, the fiber bundle terminal ends are attached to both sides of the transducer’s long-axis and the illumination angle of each fiber bundle can be independently controlled. The final PA image is obtained by the coherent sum of subframes acquired using different angles. The prototype was experimentally evaluated by taking images from a phantom, a mouse abdomen, forearm, and index finger of a volunteer. The system provided light delivery enhancement taking advantage of the geometry of the target, achieving sufficient signal-to-noise ratio at clinically relevant depths.
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24
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Kuriakose M, Nguyen CD, Kuniyil Ajith Singh M, Mallidi S. Optimizing Irradiation Geometry in LED-Based Photoacoustic Imaging with 3D Printed Flexible and Modular Light Delivery System. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20133789. [PMID: 32640683 PMCID: PMC7374354 DOI: 10.3390/s20133789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic (PA) imaging–a technique combining the ability of optical imaging to probe functional properties of the tissue and deep structural imaging ability of ultrasound–has gained significant popularity in the past two decades for its utility in several biomedical applications. More recently, light-emitting diodes (LED) are being explored as an alternative to bulky and expensive laser systems used in PA imaging for their portability and low-cost. Due to the large beam divergence of LEDs compared to traditional laser beams, it is imperative to quantify the angular dependence of LED-based illumination and optimize its performance for imaging superficial or deep-seated lesions. A custom-built modular 3-D printed hinge system and tissue-mimicking phantoms with various absorption and scattering properties were used in this study to quantify the angular dependence of LED-based illumination. We also experimentally calculated the source divergence of the pulsed-LED arrays to be 58° ± 8°. Our results from point sources (pencil lead phantom) in non-scattering medium obey the cotangential relationship between the angle of irradiation and maximum PA intensity obtained at various imaging depths, as expected. Strong dependence on the angle of illumination at superficial depths (−5°/mm at 10 mm) was observed that becomes weaker at intermediate depths (−2.5°/mm at 20 mm) and negligible at deeper locations (−1.1°/mm at 30 mm). The results from the tissue-mimicking phantom in scattering media indicate that angles between 30–75° could be used for imaging lesions at various depths (12 mm–28 mm) where lower LED illumination angles (closer to being parallel to the imaging plane) are preferable for deep tissue imaging and superficial lesion imaging is possible with higher LED illumination angles (closer to being perpendicular to the imaging plane). Our results can serve as a priori knowledge for the future LED-based PA system designs employed for both preclinical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maju Kuriakose
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (M.K.); (C.D.N.)
| | - Christopher D. Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (M.K.); (C.D.N.)
| | | | - Srivalleesha Mallidi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (M.K.); (C.D.N.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Han M, Choi W, Ahn J, Ryu H, Seo Y, Kim C. In Vivo Dual-Modal Photoacoustic and Ultrasound Imaging of Sentinel Lymph Nodes Using a Solid-State Dye Laser System. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20133714. [PMID: 32630827 PMCID: PMC7374351 DOI: 10.3390/s20133714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is being actively investigated as a non-invasive and non-radioactive imaging technique for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. By taking advantage of optical and ultrasound imaging, PAI probes SLNs non-invasively with methylene blue (MB) in both live animals and breast cancer patients. However, these PAI systems have limitations for widespread use in clinics and commercial marketplaces because the lasers used by the PAI systems, e.g., tunable liquid dye laser systems and optical parametric oscillator (OPO) lasers, are bulky in size, not economical, and use risky flammable and toxic liquid dyes. To overcome these limitations, we are proposing a novel dual-modal photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system based on a solid-state dye laser (SD-PAUSI), which is compact, convenient, and carries far less risk of flammability and toxicity. Using a solid-state dye handpiece that generates 650-nm wavelength, we successfully imaged the MB tube positioned deeply (~3.9 cm) in chicken breast tissue. The SLNs were also photoacoustically detected in the in vivo rats beneath a 2.2-cm-thick layer of chicken breast, which is deeper than the typical depth of SLNs in humans (1.2 ± 0.5 cm). Furthermore, we showed the multispectral capability of the PAI by switching the dye handpiece, in which the MB-dyed SLN was selectively highlighted from the surrounding vasculature. These results demonstrated the great potential of the SD-PAUSI as an easy but effective modality for SLN detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moongyu Han
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Creative IT Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (M.H.); (W.C.); (J.A.)
| | - Wonseok Choi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Creative IT Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (M.H.); (W.C.); (J.A.)
| | - Joongho Ahn
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Creative IT Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (M.H.); (W.C.); (J.A.)
| | - Hanyoung Ryu
- R&D Center, Wontech Co. Ltd., Daejeon 34028, Korea; (H.R.); (Y.S.)
| | - Youngseok Seo
- R&D Center, Wontech Co. Ltd., Daejeon 34028, Korea; (H.R.); (Y.S.)
| | - Chulhong Kim
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Creative IT Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (M.H.); (W.C.); (J.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-54-279-8805
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Kempski KM, Graham MT, Gubbi MR, Palmer T, Lediju Bell MA. Application of the generalized contrast-to-noise ratio to assess photoacoustic image quality. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 11:3684-3698. [PMID: 33014560 PMCID: PMC7510924 DOI: 10.1364/boe.391026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The generalized contrast-to-noise ratio (gCNR) is a relatively new image quality metric designed to assess the probability of lesion detectability in ultrasound images. Although gCNR was initially demonstrated with ultrasound images, the metric is theoretically applicable to multiple types of medical images. In this paper, the applicability of gCNR to photoacoustic images is investigated. The gCNR was computed for both simulated and experimental photoacoustic images generated by amplitude-based (i.e., delay-and-sum) and coherence-based (i.e., short-lag spatial coherence) beamformers. These gCNR measurements were compared to three more traditional image quality metrics (i.e., contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio, and signal-to-noise ratio) applied to the same datasets. An increase in qualitative target visibility generally corresponded with increased gCNR. In addition, gCNR magnitude was more directly related to the separability of photoacoustic signals from their background, which degraded with the presence of limited bandwidth artifacts and increased levels of channel noise. At high gCNR values (i.e., 0.95-1), contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio, and signal-to-noise ratio varied by up to 23.7-56.2 dB, 2.0-3.4, and 26.5-7.6×1020, respectively, for simulated, experimental phantom, and in vivo data. Therefore, these traditional metrics can experience large variations when a target is fully detectable, and additional increases in these values would have no impact on photoacoustic target detectability. In addition, gCNR is robust to changes in traditional metrics introduced by applying a minimum threshold to image amplitudes. In tandem with other photoacoustic image quality metrics and with a defined range of 0 to 1, gCNR has promising potential to provide additional insight, particularly when designing new beamformers and image formation techniques and when reporting quantitative performance without an opportunity to qualitatively assess corresponding images (e.g., in text-only abstracts).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley M Kempski
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Michelle T Graham
- Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Mardava R Gubbi
- Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Theron Palmer
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Muyinatu A Lediju Bell
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Computer Science Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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27
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An Automatic Unmixing Approach to Detect Tissue Chromophores from Multispectral Photoacoustic Imaging. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20113235. [PMID: 32517204 PMCID: PMC7308815 DOI: 10.3390/s20113235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multispectral photoacoustic imaging has been widely explored as an emerging tool to visualize and quantify tissue chromophores noninvasively. This modality can capture the spectral absorption signature of prominent tissue chromophores, such as oxygenated, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and other biomarkers in the tissue by using spectral unmixing methods. Currently, most of the reported image processing algorithms use standard unmixing procedures, which include user interaction in the form of providing the expected spectral signatures. For translational research with patients, these types of supervised spectral unmixing can be challenging, as the spectral signature of the tissues can differ with respect to the disease condition. Imaging exogenous contrast agents and accessing their biodistribution can also be problematic, as some of the contrast agents are susceptible to change in spectral properties after the tissue interaction. In this work, we investigated the feasibility of an unsupervised spectral unmixing algorithm to detect and extract the tissue chromophores without any a-priori knowledge and user interaction. The algorithm has been optimized for multispectral photoacoustic imaging in the spectral range of 680-900 nm. The performance of the algorithm has been tested on simulated data, tissue-mimicking phantom, and also on the detection of exogenous contrast agents after the intravenous injection in mice. Our finding shows that the proposed automatic, unsupervised spectral unmixing method has great potential to extract and quantify the tissue chromophores, and this can be used in any wavelength range of the multispectral photoacoustic images.
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Choi WY, Kwon SW, Kim YH, Kang KC, Park KK. Single-Shot Near-Field Volumetric Imaging System for Optical Ultrasound and Photoacoustics Using Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer Without Transmission Mode. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2020; 67:1151-1158. [PMID: 31976884 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2020.2965600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we present a single-shot dual-mode imaging system that uses optical ultrasound (US) as an ultrasonic pulser without a transmission circuit. The ultrasonic pulse-echo system comprises an optical US pulser generated by carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which generate a high-power photoacoustic (PA) signal and a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) receiver. By fabricating a thin CNT-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite capable of semiabsorption of the laser, a single-shot imaging system was developed. By transmitting a semipenetration light to the object, US and PA imaging were performed in a single shot. A CNT thickness of [Formula: see text] produced a maximum pressure of 154 kPa, and US was received by CMUT with a 2-MHz center frequency in PDMS. Additionally, a low-profile and near-depth imaging system was constructed with an intermediate layer of the 6-mm PDMS for the dry contact method. We performed a single-shot dual-mode imaging experiment on point and line phantoms, as well as the particle spread in the soft tissue. Thus, we examined the feasibility of the near-depth and single-shot dual-mode (US and PA) imaging system capable of a dry contact.
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29
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Towards Clinical Translation of LED-Based Photoacoustic Imaging: A Review. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20092484. [PMID: 32349414 PMCID: PMC7249023 DOI: 10.3390/s20092484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging, with the capability to provide simultaneous structural, functional, and molecular information, is one of the fastest growing biomedical imaging modalities of recent times. As a hybrid modality, it not only provides greater penetration depth than the purely optical imaging techniques, but also provides optical contrast of molecular components in the living tissue. Conventionally, photoacoustic imaging systems utilize bulky and expensive class IV lasers, which is one of the key factors hindering the clinical translation of this promising modality. Use of LEDs which are portable and affordable offers a unique opportunity to accelerate the clinical translation of photoacoustics. In this paper, we first review the development history of LED as an illumination source in biomedical photoacoustic imaging. Key developments in this area, from point-source measurements to development of high-power LED arrays, are briefly discussed. Finally, we thoroughly review multiple phantom, ex-vivo, animal in-vivo, human in-vivo, and clinical pilot studies and demonstrate the unprecedented preclinical and clinical potential of LED-based photoacoustic imaging.
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30
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Joseph Francis K, Boink YE, Dantuma M, Ajith Singh MK, Manohar S, Steenbergen W. Tomographic imaging with an ultrasound and LED-based photoacoustic system. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 11:2152-2165. [PMID: 32341873 PMCID: PMC7173893 DOI: 10.1364/boe.384548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Pulsed lasers in photoacoustic tomography systems are expensive, which limit their use to a few clinics and small animal labs. We present a method to realize tomographic ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging using a commercial LED-based photoacoustic and ultrasound system. We present two illumination configurations using LED array units and an optimal number of angular views for tomographic reconstruction. The proposed method can be a cost-effective solution for applications demanding tomographic imaging and can be easily integrated into conventional linear array-based ultrasound systems. We present a potential application for finger joint imaging in vivo, which can be used for point-of-care rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalloor Joseph Francis
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, The Netherlands
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, The Netherlands
| | - Yoeri E. Boink
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, The Netherlands
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Twente, The Netherlands
| | - Maura Dantuma
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, The Netherlands
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, The Netherlands
| | - Mithun Kuniyil Ajith Singh
- Research and Business Development Division, CYBERDYNE INC, Cambridge Innovation Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Srirang Manohar
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, The Netherlands
| | - Wiendelt Steenbergen
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, The Netherlands
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31
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Maneas E, Aughwane R, Huynh N, Xia W, Ansari R, Kuniyil Ajith Singh M, Hutchinson JC, Sebire NJ, Arthurs OJ, Deprest J, Ourselin S, Beard PC, Melbourne A, Vercauteren T, David AL, Desjardins AE. Photoacoustic imaging of the human placental vasculature. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2020; 13:e201900167. [PMID: 31661594 PMCID: PMC8425327 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201900167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Minimally invasive fetal interventions require accurate imaging from inside the uterine cavity. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a condition considered in this study, occurs from abnormal vascular anastomoses in the placenta that allow blood to flow unevenly between the fetuses. Currently, TTTS is treated fetoscopically by identifying the anastomosing vessels, and then performing laser photocoagulation. However, white light fetoscopy provides limited visibility of placental vasculature, which can lead to missed anastomoses or incomplete photocoagulation. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is an alternative imaging method that provides contrast for hemoglobin, and in this study, two PA systems were used to visualize chorionic (fetal) superficial and subsurface vasculature in human placentas. The first system comprised an optical parametric oscillator for PA excitation and a 2D Fabry-Pérot cavity ultrasound sensor; the second, light emitting diode arrays and a 1D clinical linear-array ultrasound imaging probe. Volumetric photoacoustic images were acquired from ex vivo normal term and TTTS-treated placentas. It was shown that superficial and subsurface branching blood vessels could be visualized to depths of approximately 7 mm, and that ablated tissue yielded negative image contrast. This study demonstrated the strong potential of PA imaging to guide minimally invasive fetal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymios Maneas
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Rosalind Aughwane
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Institute for Women's Health, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Nam Huynh
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Wenfeng Xia
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Rehman Ansari
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - J. Ciaran Hutchinson
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of HistopathologyGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Neil J. Sebire
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of HistopathologyGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Owen J. Arthurs
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College LondonLondonUK
- Paediatric Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Jan Deprest
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College LondonLondonUK
- Institute for Women's Health, University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Paul C. Beard
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Tom Vercauteren
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Anna L. David
- Institute for Women's Health, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Adrien E. Desjardins
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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32
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Daoud MI, Abu-Hani AF, Alazrai R. Reliable and accurate needle localization in curvilinear ultrasound images using signature-based analysis of ultrasound beamformed radio frequency signals. Med Phys 2020; 47:2356-2379. [PMID: 32160309 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ultrasound imaging is used in many minimally invasive needle insertion procedures to track the advancing needle, but localizing the needle in ultrasound images can be challenging, particularly at steep insertion angles. Previous methods have been introduced to localize the needle in ultrasound images, but the majority of these methods are based on ultrasound B-mode image analysis that is affected by the needle visibility. To address this limitation, we propose a two-phase, signature-based method to achieve reliable and accurate needle localization in curvilinear ultrasound images based on the beamformed radio frequency (RF) signals that are acquired using conventional ultrasound imaging systems. METHODS In the first phase of our proposed method, the beamformed RF signals are divided into overlapping segments and these segments are processed to extract needle-specific features to identify the needle echoes. The features are analyzed using a support vector machine classifier to synthesize a quantitative image that highlights the needle. The quantitative image is processed using the Radon transform to achieve a reliable and accurate signature-based estimation of the needle axis. In the second phase, the accuracy of the needle axis estimation is improved by processing the RF samples located around the signature-based estimation of the needle axis using local phase analysis combined with the Radon transform. Moreover, a probabilistic approach is employed to identify the needle tip. The proposed method is used to localize needles with two different sizes inserted in ex vivo animal tissue specimens at various insertion angles. RESULTS Our proposed method achieved reliable and accurate needle localization for an extended range of needle insertion angles with failure rates of 0% and mean angle, axis, and tip errors smaller than or equal to 0 . 7 ∘ , 0.6 mm, and 0.7 mm, respectively. Moreover, our proposed method outperformed a recently introduced needle localization method that is based on B-mode image analysis. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the potential of employing our signature-based method to achieve reliable and accurate needle localization during ultrasound-guided needle insertion procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad I Daoud
- Department of Computer Engineering, German Jordanian University, Amman, 11180, Jordan
| | - Ayah F Abu-Hani
- Department of Computer Engineering, German Jordanian University, Amman, 11180, Jordan
| | - Rami Alazrai
- Department of Computer Engineering, German Jordanian University, Amman, 11180, Jordan
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Sowers T, Yoon H, Emelianov S. Investigation of light delivery geometries for photoacoustic applications using Monte Carlo simulations with multiple wavelengths, tissue types, and species characteristics. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2020; 25:1-16. [PMID: 31975577 PMCID: PMC6976898 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.25.1.016005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging systems are being developed for biomedical and clinical applications. One common probe configuration is to use a linear transducer array with external light delivery to produce coregistered ultrasound and photoacoustic images. The diagnostic capability of these systems is dependent on the effectiveness of light delivery to the imaging target. We use Monte Carlo modeling to investigate the optimal design geometry of an integrated probe. Simulations are conducted with multiple tissue compositions and wavelengths. The effect of a skin layer with the thickness of a mouse or a human is also considered. The model was validated using a tissue-mimicking gelatin phantom and corresponding Monte Carlo simulations. The optimal illumination angle is shallower with human skin thickness, whereas intermediate angles are ideal with mouse skin thickness. The effect of skin thickness explains differences in the results of prior work. The simulations also indicate that even with identical hardware and imaging parameters, light delivery will be up to 3 × smaller in humans than in mice, due to the increased scattering from thicker skin. Our findings have clear implications for the many researchers using mice to test and develop imaging methods for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Sowers
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Georgia Institute of Technology, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Heechul Yoon
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Stanislav Emelianov
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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34
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Sharma A, Srishti, Periyasamy V, Pramanik M. Photoacoustic imaging depth comparison at 532-, 800-, and 1064-nm wavelengths: Monte Carlo simulation and experimental validation. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2019; 24:121904. [PMCID: PMC7005538 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.24.12.121904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) provides high-resolution and high-optical-contrast imaging beyond optical diffusion limit. Further improvement in imaging depth has been achieved by using near-infrared window-I (NIR-I, 700 to 900 nm) for illumination, due to lower scattering and absorption by tissues in this wavelength range. Recently, near-infrared window-II (NIR-II, 900 to 1700 nm) has been explored for PAI. We studied the imaging depths in biological tissues for different illumination wavelengths in visible, NIR-I, and NIR-II regions using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and validated with experimental results. MC simulations were done to compute fluence in tissue, absorbance in blood vessel, and in a spherical absorber (mimicking sentinel lymph node) embedded at different depths in breast tissue. Photoacoustic tomography and acoustic resolution photoacoustic microscopy experiments were conducted to validate the MC results. We demonstrate that maximum imaging depth is achieved by wavelengths in NIR-I window (∼800 nm) when the energy density deposited is same for all wavelengths. However, illumination using wavelengths around 1064 nm (NIR-II window) gives the maximum imaging depth when the energy density deposited is proportional to maximum permissible exposure (MPE) at corresponding wavelength. These results show that it is the higher MPE of NIR-II window that helps in increasing the PAI depth for chromophores embedded in breast tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunima Sharma
- Nanyang Technological University, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Singapore
| | - Srishti
- Nanyang Technological University, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Singapore
| | - Vijitha Periyasamy
- Nanyang Technological University, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Singapore
| | - Manojit Pramanik
- Nanyang Technological University, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Singapore
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35
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Zhao T, Desjardins AE, Ourselin S, Vercauteren T, Xia W. Minimally invasive photoacoustic imaging: Current status and future perspectives. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2019; 16:100146. [PMID: 31871889 PMCID: PMC6909166 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2019.100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is an emerging biomedical imaging modality that is based on optical absorption contrast, capable of revealing distinct spectroscopic signatures of tissue at high spatial resolution and large imaging depths. However, clinical applications of conventional non-invasive PAI systems have been restricted to examinations of tissues at depths less than a few cm due to strong light attenuation. Minimally invasive photoacoustic imaging (miPAI) has greatly extended the landscape of PAI by delivering excitation light within tissue through miniature fibre-optic probes. In the past decade, various miPAI systems have been developed with demonstrated applicability in several clinical fields. In this article, we present an overview of the current status of miPAI and our thoughts on future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianrui Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing St Thomas’ Hospital London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Adrien E. Desjardins
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, Charles Bell House, 67-73 Riding House Street, London W1W 7EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing St Thomas’ Hospital London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Vercauteren
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing St Thomas’ Hospital London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Wenfeng Xia
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing St Thomas’ Hospital London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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36
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Agrawal S, Fadden C, Dangi A, Yang X, Albahrani H, Frings N, Heidari Zadi S, Kothapalli SR. Light-Emitting-Diode-Based Multispectral Photoacoustic Computed Tomography System. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19224861. [PMID: 31717260 PMCID: PMC6891584 DOI: 10.3390/s19224861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) has been widely explored for non-ionizing functional and molecular imaging of humans and small animals. In order for light to penetrate deep inside tissue, a bulky and high-cost tunable laser is typically used. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have recently emerged as cost-effective and portable alternative illumination sources for photoacoustic imaging. In this study, we have developed a portable, low-cost, five-dimensional (x, y, z, t, λ ) PACT system using multi-wavelength LED excitation to enable similar functional and molecular imaging capabilities as standard tunable lasers. Four LED arrays and a linear ultrasound transducer detector array are housed in a hollow cylindrical geometry that rotates 360 degrees to allow multiple projections through the subject of interest placed inside the cylinder. The structural, functional, and molecular imaging capabilities of the LED-PACT system are validated using various tissue-mimicking phantom studies. The axial, lateral, and elevational resolutions of the system at 2.3 cm depth are estimated as 0.12 mm, 0.3 mm, and 2.1 mm, respectively. Spectrally unmixed photoacoustic contrasts from tubes filled with oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin, indocyanine green, methylene blue, and melanin molecules demonstrate the multispectral molecular imaging capabilities of the system. Human-finger-mimicking phantoms made of a bone and blood tubes show structural and functional oxygen saturation imaging capabilities. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of the proposed LED-based, low-cost, portable PACT system for pre-clinical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Agrawal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; (S.A.); (A.D.); (X.Y.); (H.A.); (N.F.); (S.H.Z.)
| | - Christopher Fadden
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Ajay Dangi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; (S.A.); (A.D.); (X.Y.); (H.A.); (N.F.); (S.H.Z.)
| | - Xinyi Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; (S.A.); (A.D.); (X.Y.); (H.A.); (N.F.); (S.H.Z.)
| | - Hussain Albahrani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; (S.A.); (A.D.); (X.Y.); (H.A.); (N.F.); (S.H.Z.)
| | - Neilesh Frings
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; (S.A.); (A.D.); (X.Y.); (H.A.); (N.F.); (S.H.Z.)
| | - Sara Heidari Zadi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; (S.A.); (A.D.); (X.Y.); (H.A.); (N.F.); (S.H.Z.)
| | - Sri-Rajasekhar Kothapalli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; (S.A.); (A.D.); (X.Y.); (H.A.); (N.F.); (S.H.Z.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Graduate Program in Acoustics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Correspondence:
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Francis KJ, Manohar S. Photoacoustic imaging in percutaneous radiofrequency ablation: device guidance and ablation visualization. Phys Med Biol 2019; 64:184001. [PMID: 31357187 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ab36a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is gaining importance as a locoregional treatment for tumors in several organs including the liver, lung, kidney and bone. In RFA, the tumor is eradicated with the direct application of heat using alternating current through a needle electrode positioned under imaging guidance. Various imaging methods are used in the RFA ablation procedure but these have drawbacks. In this work, we introduce photoacoustic (PA) imaging as a new method with potential to visualize the targeting of RFA needle into a region of interest and to report on the extent of ablation achieved. We demonstrate the proof-of-concept in using PA imaging together with ultrasound imaging on ex vivo biological samples in the laboratory simulating relevant clinical scenarios in RFA. These include guidance of the RFA needle to target tissue, mapping of simulated blood vessels during needle insertion and differentiation between ablated and surrounding tissue. The results of this first investigation into the use of PA imaging to assist RFA procedures are encouraging. We discuss the challenges encountered, the scope for future work and envisaged clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalloor Joseph Francis
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group and Multimodality Medical Imaging Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, PO Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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Fatima A, Kratkiewicz K, Manwar R, Zafar M, Zhang R, Huang B, Dadashzadeh N, Xia J, Avanaki K(M. Review of cost reduction methods in photoacoustic computed tomography. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2019; 15:100137. [PMID: 31428558 PMCID: PMC6693691 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2019.100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic Computed Tomography (PACT) is a major configuration of photoacoustic imaging, a hybrid noninvasive modality for both functional and molecular imaging. PACT has rapidly gained importance in the field of biomedical imaging due to superior performance as compared to conventional optical imaging counterparts. However, the overall cost of developing a PACT system is one of the challenges towards clinical translation of this novel technique. The cost of a typical commercial PACT system originates from optical source, ultrasound detector, and data acquisition unit. With growing applications of photoacoustic imaging, there is a tremendous demand towards reducing its cost. In this review article, we have discussed various approaches to reduce the overall cost of a PACT system, and provided a cost estimation to build a low-cost PACT system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afreen Fatima
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Karl Kratkiewicz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Rayyan Manwar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mohsin Zafar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Bin Huang
- 3339 Northwest Ave, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | | | - Jun Xia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kamran (Mohammad) Avanaki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Molecular Imaging Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Iskander-Rizk S, van der Steen AFW, van Soest G. Photoacoustic imaging for guidance of interventions in cardiovascular medicine. Phys Med Biol 2019; 64:16TR01. [PMID: 31048573 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ab1ede] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Imaging guidance is paramount to procedural success in minimally invasive interventions. Catheter-based therapies are the standard of care in the treatment of many cardiac disorders, including coronary artery disease, structural heart disease and electrophysiological conditions. Many of these diseases are caused by, or effect, a change in vasculature or cardiac tissue composition, which can potentially be detected by photoacoustic imaging. This review summarizes the state of the art in photoacoustic imaging approaches that have been proposed for intervention guidance in cardiovascular care. All of these techniques are currently in the preclinical phase. We will conclude with an outlook towards clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophinese Iskander-Rizk
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Engineering, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Singh MS, Thomas A. Photoacoustic elastography imaging: a review. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2019; 24:1-15. [PMID: 31041859 PMCID: PMC6990059 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.24.4.040902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Elastography imaging is a promising tool-in both research and clinical settings-for diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic treatments of various life-threatening diseases (including brain tumors, breast cancers, prostate cancers, and Alzheimer's disease). Large variation in the physical (elastic) properties of tissue, from normal to diseased stages, enables highly sensitive characterization of pathophysiological states of the diseases. On the other hand, over the last decade or so, photoacoustic (PA) imaging-an imaging modality that combines the advantageous features of two separate imaging modalities, i.e., high spatial resolution and high contrast obtainable, respectively, from ultrasound- and optical-based modalities-has been emerging and widely studied. Recently, recovery of elastic properties of soft biological tissues-in addition to prior reported recovery of vital tissue physiological information (Hb, HbO2, SO, and total Hb), noninvasively and nondestructively, with unprecedented spatial resolution (μm) at penetration depth (cm)-has been reported. Studies demonstrating that combined recovery of mechanical tissue properties and physiological information-by a single (PA) imaging unit-pave a promising platform in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic treatments. We offer a comprehensive review of PA imaging technology, focusing on recent advances in relation to elastography. Our review draws out technological challenges pertaining to PA elastography (PAE) imaging, and viable approaches. Currently, PAE imaging is in the nurture stage of its development, where the technology is limited to qualitative study. The prevailing challenges (specifically, quantitative measurements) may be addressed in a similar way by which ultrasound elastography and optical coherence elastography were accredited for quantitative measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayanglambam Suheshkumar Singh
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER-TVM), School of Physics (SoP), Biomedical Instrumentation and Imaging Laboratory (BIIL), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Anjali Thomas
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER-TVM), School of Physics (SoP), Biomedical Instrumentation and Imaging Laboratory (BIIL), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Upputuri PK, Pramanik M. Photoacoustic imaging in the second near-infrared window: a review. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2019; 24:1-20. [PMID: 30968648 PMCID: PMC6990072 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.24.4.040901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is an emerging medical imaging modality that combines optical excitation and ultrasound detection. Because ultrasound scatters much less than light in biological tissues, PA generates high-resolution images at centimeters depth. In recent years, wavelengths in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window (1000 to 1700 nm) have been increasingly explored due to its potential for preclinical and clinical applications. In contrast to the conventional PA imaging in the visible (400 to 700 nm) and the first NIR-I (700 to 1000 nm) window, PA imaging in the NIR-II window offers numerous advantages, including high spatial resolution, deeper penetration depth, reduced optical absorption, and tissue scattering. Moreover, the second window allows a fivefold higher light excitation energy density compared to the visible window for enhancing the imaging depth significantly. We highlight the importance of the second window for PA imaging and discuss the various NIR-II PA imaging systems and contrast agents with strong absorption in the NIR-II spectral region. Numerous applications of NIR-II PA imaging, including whole-body animal imaging and human imaging, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Kumar Upputuri
- Nanyang Technological University, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Singapore
| | - Manojit Pramanik
- Nanyang Technological University, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Singapore
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Stephanian B, Graham MT, Hou H, Lediju Bell MA. Additive noise models for photoacoustic spatial coherence theory. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 9:5566-5582. [PMID: 30460147 PMCID: PMC6238926 DOI: 10.1364/boe.9.005566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Directly displaying the spatial coherence of photoacoustic signals (i.e., coherence-based photoacoustic imaging) remarkably improves image contrast, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and imaging depth when compared to conventional amplitude-based reconstruction techniques (e.g., backprojection, delay-and-sum beamforming, and Fourier-based reconstruction). We recently developed photoacoustic-specific theory to describe the spatial coherence process as a function of the element spacing on a receive acoustic aperture to enable photoacoustic image optimization without requiring experiments. However, this theory lacked noise models, which contributed to significant departures in coherence measurements when compared to experimental data, particularly at higher values of element separation. In this paper, we develop and implement two models based on experimental observations of noise in photoacoustic spatial coherence measurements to improve our existing spatial coherence theory. These models were derived to describe the effects of incident fluence variations, low-energy light sources (e.g., pulsed laser diodes and light-emitting diodes), averaging multiple signals from low-energy light sources, and imaging with light sources that are > 5mm from photoacoustic targets. Results qualitatively match experimental coherence functions and provide similar contrast, SNR, and CNR to experimental SLSC images. In particular, the added noise affects image quality metrics by introducing large variations in target contrast and significantly reducing target CNR and SNR when compared to minimal-noise cases. These results provide insight into additional requirements for optimization of coherence-based photoacoustic image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Stephanian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,
USA
| | - Michelle T. Graham
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,
USA
| | - Huayu Hou
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,
USA
| | - Muyinatu A. Lediju Bell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,
USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,
USA
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Review of Low-Cost Photoacoustic Sensing and Imaging Based on Laser Diode and Light-Emitting Diode. SENSORS 2018; 18:s18072264. [PMID: 30011842 PMCID: PMC6069016 DOI: 10.3390/s18072264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Photoacoustic tomography (PAT), a promising medical imaging method that combines optical and ultrasound techniques, has been developing for decades mostly in preclinical application. A recent trend is to utilize the economical laser source to develop a low-cost sensing and imaging system, which aims at an affordable solution in clinical application. These low-cost laser sources have different modulation modes such as pulsed modulation, continuous modulation and coded modulation to generate different profiles of PA signals in photoacoustic (PA) imaging. In this paper, we review the recent development of the photoacoustic sensing and imaging based on the economical laser sources such as laser diode (LD) and light-emitting diode (LED) in different kinds of modulation types, and discuss several representative methods to improve the performance of such imaging systems based on low-cost laser sources. Finally, some perspectives regarding the future development of portable PAT systems are discussed, followed by the conclusion.
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