Abstract: Combined transducer arrays for imaging features of tissue include a transducer array configured for transmit-receive ultrasound imaging, and a transducer array configured for receive-only thermoacoustic imaging. The transmit-receive transducer array includes a plurality of transmit-receive array elements, and the receive-only transducer array includes a plurality of receive-only array elements. The receive-only array elements are registered with and surround the transmit-receive array elements. The receive-only transducer array and transmit-receive transducer array may be housed in an ultrasound probe. The combined transducer arrays may be used in composite imaging of tissue, based on the registration of the transmit-receive array elements and the receive-only array elements.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic imaging system is provided for use in combination with an ultrasound imaging system for imaging features of tissue, the ultrasound imaging system including an ultrasound imaging probe including a transmit-receive transducer array with a plurality of transmit-receive array elements. The thermoacoustic imaging system includes a receive-only transducer array with a plurality of receive-only array elements, registered with the plurality of transmit-receive array elements. The transmit-receive transducer array is housed in an ultrasound imaging probe, and the receive-only transducer array is housed in a thermoacoustic imaging probe. The thermoacoustic imaging probe is mechanically joined to the ultrasound imaging probe, e.g., as a sleeve fitted to the ultrasound imaging probe.

Abstract: Methods and systems to analyze soft tissue or vasculature in a subject, form images with enhanced soft tissue contrast, determine blood flow parameters in soft tissue or vasculature, and to aid in the diagnosis of disease using thermoacoustic methods. Pulsed electromagnetic energy is administered to tissue to excite a thermoacoustic signal in the soft tissue or vasculature. An acoustic receiver or receiver array is coupled to a subject to detect and record the thermoacoustic signals produced. Thermoacoustic data are acquired after administration of a physiologically-tolerable tracer or contrast agent. The acquired data may be analyzed to produce images of the soft tissue and vasculature (angiogram), to determine blood flow parameters, and/or to diagnose disease in a subject.