Photoacoustic Imaging System for Non-Invasive Tissue Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging modalities, despite their diversity, face limitations such as the use of ionizing radiation and inherent limitations in contrast mechanisms, necessitating a need for non-invasive, efficient, and effective methods for in vivo analysis of tissues.
Innovation Solution
The system employs the photoacoustic effect by directing electromagnetic energy to target tissues, converting it into broadband acoustic signals detectable via ultrasound, allowing for the acquisition and analysis of tissue properties like mechanical, optical, and thermal properties, using an excitation source, ultrasound probe, and processor for data processing and comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional imaging modalities (CT, PET) are used to obtain clinical information about in vivo structures, then imaging capability is achieved, but ionizing radiation exposure and health limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based imaging (CT, PET) with a photoacoustic imaging system that uses non-ionizing electromagnetic excitation and acoustic detection. The electromagnetic source excites tissue to generate photoacoustic waves, which are detected by ultrasound transducers, providing imaging capability without ionizing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces photoacoustic waves as an intermediary mechanism to transfer information from deep tissue structures to external detectors. The electromagnetic excitation converts tissue optical properties into acoustic signals that propagate to ultrasound transducers, enabling non-invasive detection without direct radiation exposure to the patient.
2Measurement precision
If specialized imaging modalities are tailored to specific clinical applications, then imaging precision for particular applications is improved, but device complexity and lack of versatility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal photoacoustic imaging platform that can address multiple clinical applications through software configuration and parameter adjustment. The system uses a single integrated platform with electromagnetic excitation and acoustic detection that can be adapted to various tissue types and clinical questions without requiring separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptation to different clinical applications by changing excitation parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, intensity) and detection parameters (transducer frequency, gain settings). These parameter adjustments allow the same physical system to optimize for different tissue depths, tissue types, and clinical questions.
3Loss of information
If multiple separate imaging modalities are used to obtain diverse clinical information, then comprehensive clinical information is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electromagnetic excitation capability and acoustic detection capability into a single integrated photoacoustic imaging system. This combination allows the system to obtain both structural and functional information from tissues using one platform rather than requiring separate CT, MRI, or ultrasound systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides multiple imaging functions (structural imaging, functional imaging, spectroscopic analysis) through a single platform, reducing the need for multiple separate imaging devices while maintaining comprehensive clinical information acquisition capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables non-invasive, real-time analysis of tissue properties, providing accurate and diverse clinical information without ionizing radiation, improving upon traditional methods by offering a cost-effective and portable solution for in vivo imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure relies on the photoacoustic (PA) effect, or more generally the thermoacoustic effect, by which electromagnetic energy directed to target tissues or materials is absorbed and converted to broadband acoustic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for real-time tracking of photoacoustic sensing are provided. In one aspect, a method for performing in vivo analysis of a subject is provided. The method includes directing an electromagnetic excitation toward a subject to be analyzed, and acquiring, with an ultrasound probe, data about resultant waves caused by the electromagnetic excitation. The method also includes processing the acquired data to extract information related to properties of tissues in the subject, and comparing the information related to the properties of tissues in the subject using a set of criteria. The method also includes generating a report about a condition of the subject based on the comparison of the information related to properties of the tissues in the subject.