Riksen JJM, Nikolaev AV, van Soest G. Photoacoustic imaging on its way toward clinical utility: a tutorial review focusing on practical application in medicine.
J Biomed Opt 2023;
28:121205. [PMID:
37304059 PMCID:
PMC10249868 DOI:
10.1117/1.jbo.28.12.121205]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Significance
Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) enables the visualization of optical contrast with ultrasonic imaging. It is a field of intense research, with great promise for clinical application. Understanding the principles of PAI is important for engineering research and image interpretation.
Aim
In this tutorial review, we lay out the imaging physics, instrumentation requirements, standardization, and some practical examples for (junior) researchers, who have an interest in developing PAI systems and applications for clinical translation or applying PAI in clinical research.
Approach
We discuss PAI principles and implementation in a shared context, emphasizing technical solutions that are amenable to broad clinical deployment, considering factors such as robustness, mobility, and cost in addition to image quality and quantification.
Results
Photoacoustics, capitalizing on endogenous contrast or administered contrast agents that are approved for human use, yields highly informative images in clinical settings, which can support diagnosis and interventions in the future.
Conclusion
PAI offers unique image contrast that has been demonstrated in a broad set of clinical scenarios. The transition of PAI from a "nice-to-have" to a "need-to-have" modality will require dedicated clinical studies that evaluate therapeutic decision-making based on PAI and consideration of the actual value for patients and clinicians, compared with the associated cost.
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