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Imaging of small vessels using photoacoustics: An in vivo study
Author(s) -
Siphanto Ronald I.,
Kolkman Roy G.M.,
Huisjes Arjan,
Pilatou Magdalena C.,
de Mul Frits F.M.,
Steenbergen Wiendelt,
van Adrichem Leon N.A.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.20100
Subject(s) - in vivo , blood vessel , biomedical engineering , ultrasound , visualization , photoacoustic imaging in biomedicine , laser , preclinical imaging , medicine , computer science , radiology , optics , biology , artificial intelligence , physics , microbiology and biotechnology , psychiatry
Background and Objectives The ability to correctly visualize the architectural arrangement of microvasculature is valuable to many diverse fields in medicine. In this study, we applied photoacoustics (PA) to obtain high‐resolution images of submillimeter blood vessels. Study Design/Materials and Methods Short laser pulses are used to generate ultrasound from superficial blood vessels in several animal models. From these ultrasound waves the interior of blood vessels can be reconstructed. Results We present results from a novel approach based on the PA principle that allows specific in vivo visualization of dermal blood vessels without the use of contrast agents or ionizing radiation. Conclusions We show PA images of externalized blood vessels and demonstrate in vivo PA imaging of vasculature through layers of skin varying in thickness. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:354–362, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.