Vessel orientation-dependent sensitivity of optoacoustic imaging using a linear array transducer
Stefan Preisser1, Nigel L Bush, Andreas G Gertsch-Grover
1University of Bern, Institute of Applied Physics, Sidlerstrasse 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|February 8, 2013
Summary
Linear probes in optoacoustic imaging often lead to inaccurate 2-D interpretations of 3-D vascular structures. Vessel orientation significantly impacts signal amplitude, affecting quantitative analysis and imaging techniques.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Medical Imaging Technology
- Acoustic Physics
Background:
- Linear probes are standard for clinical optoacoustic imaging due to their versatility and real-time capabilities.
- Current interpretation of 2-D optoacoustic images often assumes a simple cross-section, similar to ultrasound.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the accuracy of 2-D cross-section interpretation for vascular imaging using linear optoacoustic probes.
- To analyze the impact of blood vessel orientation on detected signal amplitude.
Main Methods:
- Three-dimensional simulations of acoustic wave propagation.
- Phantom experiments with controlled vessel phantoms.
- In vivo mouse experiments for optoacoustic imaging of vasculature.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that the 2-D cross-section interpretation is often inaccurate for vascular imaging.
- Showcased anisotropic acoustic transients emitted by cylindrical blood vessels.
- Revealed that signal amplitude varies with vessel orientation relative to the probe, even with identical diameters and initial pressures.
Conclusions:
- The orientation of blood vessels significantly influences signal detection in optoacoustic imaging with linear probes.
- This finding necessitates revised image interpretation strategies and probe guidance techniques.
- Accurate quantitative reconstruction of optical tissue properties requires accounting for these orientation-dependent effects.
