Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography for Functional Imaging in Vascular Research

Area of Science:

• Vascular biology and imaging technologies.
• Biomedical optics and instrumentation.

Background:

• Microcirculatory impairment is a key factor in various diseases, driving the need for advanced vascular research tools.
• Current live imaging techniques like NIRS, PET, CT, and MRI face challenges such as cost, resolution, and contrast.
• Optoacoustic tomography (OT) presents a novel approach for vascular functional imaging, merging optical absorption with acoustic resolution for deeper tissue penetration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the applicability of multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) for functional vascular imaging.
• To assess MSOT's capability in providing real-time, quantifiable vascular and blood oxygenation parameters.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) system with a tunable optical parametric oscillator (OPO) laser (680-980 nm).
• Acquired images from the human forearm using a 3D probe.
• Reconstructed images using manufacturer-provided software based on chromophore responses.

Main Results:

• MSOT enabled measurement of maximal oxygenated hemoglobin (Max HbO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (Max Hb), total hemoglobin (HbT), and mean oxygen saturation (mSO2).
• The system also quantified vascular density (µVu), inter-unit average distances (ζAd), and capillary blood volume (mm³).

Conclusions:

• MSOT demonstrates significant potential for functional vascular imaging in clinical and basic research.
• The technology offers a promising alternative to existing imaging modalities, with ongoing software improvements expected to enhance its utility.