Article

Imaging of small vessels using photoacoustics: An in vivo study

  1. Ronald I. Siphanto MD1,*,
  2. Roy G.M. Kolkman PhD2,
  3. Arjan Huisjes MSc2,
  4. Magdalena C. Pilatou PhD2,
  5. Frits F.M. de Mul PhD2,
  6. Wiendelt Steenbergen PhD2,
  7. Leon N.A. van Adrichem MD, PhD1

Article first published online: 20 DEC 2004

DOI: 10.1002/lsm.20100

Issue

Lasers in Surgery and Medicine

Lasers in Surgery and Medicine

Volume 35, Issue 5, pages 354–362, December 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Siphanto, R. I., Kolkman, R. G.M., Huisjes, A., Pilatou, M. C., de Mul, F. F.M., Steenbergen, W. and van Adrichem, L. N.A. (2004), Imaging of small vessels using photoacoustics: An in vivo study. Lasers Surg. Med., 35: 354–362. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20100

Author Information

  1. 1

    Erasmus MC—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands

  2. 2

    University of Twente, Enschede, Faculty of Science and Technology, Biophysical Engineering, The Netherlands

*Erasmus MC—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Room Ee 1591, PO Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 20 DEC 2004
  2. Article first published online: 20 DEC 2004
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 4 AUG 2004

Funded by

  • Dutch Technology Foundation. Grant Number: TTN.4662

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Keywords:

  • optoacoustics;
  • 3-D imaging;
  • microvasculature;
  • vascular anatomy;
  • epigastric flap;
  • skin;
  • plastic surgery

Abstract

Background and Objectives

The ability to correctly visualize the architectural arrangement of microvasculature is valuable to many diverse fields in medicine. In this study, we applied photoacoustics (PA) to obtain high-resolution images of submillimeter blood vessels.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Short laser pulses are used to generate ultrasound from superficial blood vessels in several animal models. From these ultrasound waves the interior of blood vessels can be reconstructed.

Results

We present results from a novel approach based on the PA principle that allows specific in vivo visualization of dermal blood vessels without the use of contrast agents or ionizing radiation.

Conclusions

We show PA images of externalized blood vessels and demonstrate in vivo PA imaging of vasculature through layers of skin varying in thickness. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:354–362, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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