ABSTRACT
Introduction Photoacoustic technology can be used for non-invasive imaging of blood vessels. In this paper, we report on our prototype photoacoustic imaging system with a newly designed ultrasound sensor and its visualization performance of microvascular in animal.
Methods We fabricated an experimental system for animals using a high-frequency sensor. The system has two modes: still image mode by wide scanning and moving image mode by small rotation of sensor array. Optical test target, euthanized mice and rats, and live mice were used as objects.
Results The results of optical test target showed that the spatial resolution was about 2 times higher than that of our conventional prototype. The image performance in vivo was evaluated in euthanized healthy mice and rats, allowing visualization of detailed blood vessels in the liver and kidneys. In tumor-bearing mice, different results of vascular induction were shown depending on the type of tumor and the method of transplantation. By utilizing the video imaging function, we were able to observe the movement of blood vessels around the tumor.
Conclusion We have demonstrated the feasibility of the system as a less invasive animal experimental device, as it can acquire vascular images in animals in a non-contrast and non-invasive manner.
Competing Interest Statement
Yasufumi Asao, Ken-ichi Nagae, Koichi Miyasaka, Hiroyuki Sekiguchi are employees of Luonxus Inc., Japan. Sadakazu Aiso and Takayuki Yagi are executives of Luxonus Inc. Japan. Luxonus Inc. designed and invented the photoacoustic imaging system used in this study. The other authors have no conflict of interest.
