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Photoacoustic Imaging

Photoacoustic imaging is one of the most promising non-invasive biomedical imaging techniques. It combines laser light and ultrasound to generate high resolution 3D images (resolution 15–40 μm, 2 cm depth) of the tissue structure and molecular composition. The analyzed tissue is irradiated with pulsed laser light, which causes so-called thermoelastic expansion, which in turn generates mechanical waves that can be detected by the ultra-high-frequency ultrasound scanner. The technique provides a spectral signature of the tissue depending on the molec­ular composition. The detection of small variations in tissue composition and the fact that photoacoustic imaging can provide high-resolution images at a greater depth, making it superior to other optical imaging techniques.

The Photocaoustic Center have recently acquired two qualified photoacoustic instruments (VisualSonics Vevo Lazr Photoacoustic Imaging Systems). The systems have two ultra-modern ultrasound systems that provide anatomical and functional information down to 30 μm resolution, which are also used as a visual guide for the associated multi-wavelength laser that provides molecular information.

 

PAI setup

Preclinical instrument

PI: Gustav Smith

The preclinical instrument is stationed in the in vivo department of Lund University Biomedical Center (BMC), and is managed by Associate Professor Gustav Smith. There is also an imaging station for imaging cells, tissues and small animals with simultaneous monitoring of vital functions and motion tracking. Large animals such as pigs are examined using a hand-held sensor or motor-driven holder to generate 3D images.

Clinical instrument

PI: Malin Malmsjö and Magnus Cinthio

The clinical instrument is stationed in the laboratory for "bio-imaging" which has recently been built up at the Eye Clinic at Skåne University Hospital in Lund and is managed by Professor Malin Malmsjö and Associate Professor Magnus Cinthio. There is also an experimental equipment for ex vivo imaging (eg, excited tumor tissue prior to pathological examination) and an in vivo patient examination system, with a motor-driven probe holder for scanning and generating 3D images

Specifications Vevo LAZR-X, FUJIFILM VisualSonics Inc:

  • 20-Hz tunable laser with a seven nanosecond pulse width
  • The laser can be operated in two wavelength ranges: 680–970 nm and 1200–2000 nm
  • 10-mm-thick Aquaflex ultrasound gel pad (Paker Laboratories Inc)
  • 3 differnt linear array transducer; 1 *25 MHz, 1*30 MHz and 1*40 MHz which provide different axial and lateral resolution.
  • Motordriven micromanipulator probe holder