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Updated: Aug 20, 2026
Dual Raster-Scanning Photoacoustic Small-Animal Imager for Vascular Visualization
Published on: July 15, 2020
Imaging of small vessels using photoacoustics: an in vivo study
Ronald I Siphanto1, Roy G M Kolkman, Arjan Huisjes
1Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands. rsiphanto@hotmail.com
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.
