15 research outputs found
Fully three-dimensional sound speed-corrected multi-wavelength photoacoustic breast tomography
Photoacoustic tomography is a contrast agent-free imaging technique capable
of visualizing blood vessels and tumor-associated vascularization in breast
tissue. While sophisticated breast imaging systems have been recently
developed, there is yet much to be gained in imaging depth, image quality and
tissue characterization capability before clinical translation is possible. In
response, we have developed a hybrid photoacoustic and ultrasound-transmission
tomographic system PAM3. The photoacoustic component has for the first time
three-dimensional multi-wavelength imaging capability, and implements
substantial technical advancements in critical hardware and software
sub-systems. The ultrasound component enables for the first time, a
three-dimensional sound speed map of the breast to be incorporated in
photoacoustic reconstruction to correct for inhomogeneities, enabling accurate
target recovery. The results demonstrate the deepest photoacoustic breast
imaging to date namely 48 mm, with a more uniform field of view than hitherto,
and an isotropic spatial resolution that rivals that of Magnetic Resonance
Imaging. The in vivo performance achieved, and the diagnostic value of
interrogating angiogenesis-driven optical contrast as well as tumor mass sound
speed contrast, gives confidence in the system's clinical potential.Comment: 33 pages Main Body, 9 pages Supplementary Materia