Photoacoustic imaging of peripheral vessels in extremities by large-scale synthetic matrix array.

SIGNIFICANCE

Various peripheral vascular diseases (PVD) in extremities, such as arterial atherosclerosis or venous occlusion in arm or legs, are a serious global health threat. Noninvasive vascular imaging is of great value for both diagnosis and assessment of PVD.

APPROACH

By scanning a one-dimensional non-focusing linear array, an equivalent large two-dimensional (2D) matrix array with hundreds of thousands or more ultrasound elements is formed, thereby achieving a wide signal reception angle as well as large imaging area for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of peripheral extremities.

AIM

To provide a feasible bedside and noninvasive imaging method for vascular imaging in extremities.

RESULTS

Our system can achieve high-quality photoacoustic (PA) peripheral vessel imaging. The 3D subcutaneous vascular imaging results of the palms and arms of healthy volunteers demonstrate the superior performance of the system.

CONCLUSIONS

This work proposes a clinically oriented PA 3D subcutaneous vascular imaging system for human extremities. The system employs a synthetic matrix array via scanning a one-dimensional non-focusing linear probe, providing noninvasive, high-resolution, and high-contrast images of human extremities. It has potential application value in the diagnosis and monitoring of vascular diseases.