Abstract: A design and a fabrication method for an intravascular imaging and therapeutic catheters for combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and for optical and/or acoustic therapy of hollow organs and diseased blood vessels and tissues are disclosed in the present invention. The invention comprises both a device—optical fiber-based intravascular catheter designs for combined IVUS/IVPA, and elasticity imaging and for acoustic and/or optical therapy—and a method of combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and optical and/or acoustic therapy. The designs of the catheters are based on single-element catheter-based ultrasound transducers or on ultrasound array-based units coupled with optical fiber, fiber bundles or a combination thereof with specially designed light delivery systems. One approach uses the side fire fiber, similar to the one utilized for biomedical optical spectroscopy.

Abstract: Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of imaging and treating a target tissue without the need to occlude or dilute luminal blood in a subject by a combination of intravascular ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging by irradiating the target tissue with electromagnetic radiation at a single wavelength.

Abstract: An interventional photoacoustic imaging system and method for cancer treatment comprises an optical source for applying laser energy to optically excite a treatment area, a needle, ablation tool or catheter for inserting the optical source into a body of a patient adjacent the treatment area, and an ultrasonic transducer for detecting the acoustic waves. A processor receives the raw data from the ultrasound system and processes it to thereby form a photoacoustic image of the tissue in real time. As such, image formation may be performed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.

Abstract: A design and a fabrication method for an intravascular imaging and therapeutic catheters for combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and for optical and/or acoustic therapy of hollow organs and diseased blood vessels and tissues are disclosed in the present invention. The invention comprises both a device—optical fiber-based intravascular catheter designs for combined IVUS/IVPA, and elasticity imaging and for acoustic and/or optical therapy—and a method of combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and optical and/or acoustic therapy. The designs of the catheters are based on single-element catheter-based ultrasound transducers or on ultrasound array-based units coupled with optical fiber, fiber bundles or a combination thereof with specially designed light delivery systems. One approach uses the side fire fiber, similar to the one utilized for biomedical optical spectroscopy.

Abstract: Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided.