Photoacoustic and hyperspectral dual-modality endoscope

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Optical Diagnostics

Background:

• Current endoscopic techniques often lack the ability to visualize both superficial and deep tissue structures simultaneously.
• Assessing functional tissue properties, such as oxygen saturation, alongside structural information is critical for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel dual-modality endoscope integrating photoacoustic (PA) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI).
• To assess the capability of the hybrid endoscope for visualizing structural and functional properties of biological tissues.

Main Methods:

• The study describes the composition and scanning mechanism of the dual-modality endoscope.
• Feasibility was confirmed through mimic phantom experiments.
• In vivo experiments were conducted to demonstrate endoscopic workability and imaging capabilities.

Main Results:

• The hybrid endoscope successfully provided optical imaging of tissue surfaces and tomographic imaging of deeper features.
• A functional oxygen saturation rate map of the same imaging area was generated.
• Optical-resolution PA imaging visualized vascular structures and oxygen saturation in a rabbit's rectum.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-modality endoscope effectively integrates PA and HSI for comprehensive bio-tissue visualization.
• This hybrid technology demonstrates significant potential for diverse clinical applications requiring detailed structural and functional assessment.
• The in vivo results confirm the endoscope's utility in providing critical diagnostic information.