Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.

Abstract: A real-time imaging system that provides ultrasonic imaging and optoacoustic imaging coregistered through application of the same hand-held probe to generate and detect ultrasonic and optoacoustic signals. These signals are digitized, processed and used to reconstruct anatomical maps superimposed with maps of two functional parameters of blood hemoglobin index and blood oxygenation index. The blood hemoglobin index represents blood hemoglobin concentration changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background blood concentration. The blood oxygenation index represents blood oxygenation changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background level of blood oxygenation. These coregistered maps can be used to noninvasively differentiate malignant tumors from benign lumps and cysts.

Abstract: An optoacoustic imaging system includes a handheld probe and first and second pulsed light sources having a common output. The first and second light sources generate pulses of light at first and second predominant wavelengths, respectively. The handheld probe includes an ultrasound transducer array having an active end located at the distal end of the handheld probe for receiving an optoacoustic return signal. A sensor measures a portion of the light transmitted along the light path. A data acquisition samples the ultrasound transducer array during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the first light source and during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the second light source. The sampled data is stored.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating sinograms by sampling transducers acoustically coupled with a surface of a volume after a pulse of light, each transducer being associated with a channel in an optoacoustic imaging system, and processing at least two multi-channel sinograms, each corresponding to a different one of the at least two different predominant wavelengths, to create at least two processed sinograms. The processing step includes a step of sub-band acoustic compensation. Image reconstruction is performed based upon the processed sinograms to generate at least two optoacoustic images. Image post processing is performed on the optoacoustic images to generate post-processed images. A parametric map is generated based upon information contained in the post-processed images, and an ultrasound image is generated using the transducers. The parametric map and the ultrasound image are co-registered and a co-registered image is displayed.

Abstract: The diagnostic vector classification support system and method disclosed herein may both reduce the time and effort required to train radiologists to interpret medical images, and provide a decision support system for trained radiologists who, regardless of training, have the potential to miss relevant findings. In an embodiment, a morphological image is used to identify a zone of interest in a co-registered functional image. An operator's grading of a feature at least partially contained within the zone of interest is compared to one or more computer-generated grades for the feature. Where the operator and computer-generated grades differ, diagnostic support can be provided such as displaying additional images, revising the zone of interest, annotating one or more displayed images, displaying a computer-generated feature grade, among other possibilities disclosed herein.

Abstract: Electromagnetic energy is deposited into a volume, an acoustic return signal from energy deposited in the volume is measured, and a parametric map that estimates values of at least one parameter as spatially represented in the volume is computed. A reference level of a region of interest is determined, and upper and lower color map limits are specified, with at least one of them being determined in relation to the reference level. The parametric map is then rendered in the palette of a color map by mapping the estimated values of the parametric map onto the color map according to the color map limits. Two wavelengths of energy can be applied to the volume, and the parametric map computation can be adapted by applying an implicit or explicit model of, or theoretical basis for, distribution of electromagnetic energy fluence within the volume pertaining to the two wavelengths.

Abstract: A method for controlling an optoacoustic imaging system includes the steps of analyzing sinogram data values to identify variations, storing information concerning the variations, generating first and second sinograms, and processing the sinograms to mitigate the effect of the variations. In the analyzing step, sinogram data values are analyzed to identify one or more variations that are related to performance of one or more of the discrete components of the optoacoustic imaging system. The identified variations are then stored. A first sinogram is generated by sampling transducer elements acoustically coupled with a surface of a volume for a predetermined period of time after delivery of a pulse of light having a first wavelength, the first sinogram containing one channel for each of the transducer elements.

Abstract: The quality of a parametric map is improved based upon information contained in optoacoustic images. Frames are acquired by a multi-wavelength optoacoustic imaging system. A first sub-set including uncorrelated frames from a first wavelength is generated. A first interframe artifact estimate is generated. The first artifact estimate is applied to a frame from a first wavelength to mitigate the interframe persistent artifact in the frame, creating a first processed frame. A second sub-set including uncorrelated frames from a second wavelength is generated. A second interframe artifact estimate is generated. The second artifact estimate is applied to a frame from the second wavelength to mitigate the artifact in the frame from the second wavelength, creating a second processed frame. A parametric map is generated from information in the first processed frame and information in the second processed frame.

Abstract: An optoacoustic imaging system includes a handheld probe and first and second pulsed light sources having a common output. The first and second light sources generate pulses of light at first and second predominant wavelengths, respectively. The handheld probe includes an ultrasound transducer array having an active end located at the distal end of the handheld probe for receiving an optoacoustic return signal. A sensor measures a portion of the light transmitted along the light path. A data acquisition samples the ultrasound transducer array during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the first light source and during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the second light source. The sampled data is stored.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for normalizing range in an optoacoustic imaging system. In an embodiment, the system includes adjustable amplifiers and a probe having an array of transducer elements, each of the adjustable amplifiers being associated with one or more of the transducer elements. The transducer elements are acoustically coupled with a surface of a volume. The gain on the adjustable amplifiers is changed as a function of the passage of time during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light. A sinogram is recorded by sampling the adjustably amplified plurality of transducer elements for the predetermined period of time. The sinogram is processed by substantially reversing the changing step mathematically, and storing the results in an expanded dynamic range sinogram. The expanded dynamic range sinogram provides sufficient numeric precision to permit the reversal of the changing step without materially decreasing the dynamic range of the information in the sinogram.

Abstract: The diagnostic vector classification support system and method disclosed herein may both reduce the time and effort required to train radiologists to interpret medical images, and provide a decision support system for trained radiologists who, regardless of training, have the potential to miss relevant findings. In an embodiment, a morphological image is used to identify a zone of interest in a co-registered functional image. An operator's grading of a feature at least partially contained within the zone of interest is compared to one or more computer-generated grades for the feature. Where the operator and computer-generated grades differ, diagnostic support can be provided such as displaying additional images, revising the zone of interest, annotating one or more displayed images, displaying a computer-generated feature grade, among other possibilities disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating sinograms by sampling a plurality of transducers acoustically coupled with the surface of a volume of tissue over a period of time after a light pulse at one wavelength, and after another light pulse at a different wavelength, and for processing those sinograms, reconstructing at least two optoacoustic images from the two sinograms, processing the two optoacoustic images to generate two envelope images and generating a parametric map from information in the two envelope images. In an embodiment, motion and tracking are determined to align the envelope images. In an embodiment, at least a second parametric map is produced from information in the same two envelope images. In an embodiment an ultrasound image is also acquired, and the parametric map is coregistered with and overlayed upon the ultrasound image, and then displayed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system and method are provided for determining position and orientation of an optical delivery unit relative to an acoustic receiving unit, in the field of opto-acoustic imaging, wherein the optical delivery unit comprises a first fiducial marker site configured to emit acoustic responses and a second fiducial marker site configured to emit acoustic responses. A plurality of acoustic signals from a volume of a subject are sampled and recorded, each of the plurality of acoustic signals being collected at a different data collection position relative to a coordinate reference frame. The system is configured to identify in each of the plurality of acoustic signals a response of a first fiducial marker and a response of a second fiducial marker. Each identified response indicates a separation between a fiducial marker site and a data collection position of an acoustic signal.

Abstract: Electromagnetic energy is deposited into a volume, an acoustic return signal from energy deposited in the volume is measured, and a parametric map that estimates values of at least one parameter as spatially represented in the volume is computed. A reference level of a region of interest is determined, and upper and lower color map limits are specified, with at least one of them being determined in relation to the reference level. The parametric map is then rendered in the palette of a color map by mapping the estimated values of the parametric map onto the color map according to the color map limits. Two wavelengths of energy can be applied to the volume, and the parametric map computation can be adapted by applying an implicit or explicit model of, or theoretical basis for, distribution of electromagnetic energy fluence within the volume pertaining to the two wavelengths.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating sinograms by sampling a plurality of transducers acoustically coupled with the surface of a volume of tissue over a period of time after a light pulse at one wavelength, and after another light pulse at a different wavelength, and for processing those sinograms, reconstructing at least two optoacoustic images from the two sinograms, processing the two optoacoustic images to generate two envelope images and generating a parametric map from information in the two envelope images. In an embodiment, motion and tracking are determined to align the envelope images. In an embodiment, at least a second parametric map is produced from information in the same two envelope images. In an embodiment an ultrasound image is also acquired, and the parametric map is coregistered with and overlayed upon the ultrasound image, and then displayed.

Abstract: Described is system and method for detecting anomalous channels in an optoacoustic imaging system in which transducer elements are acoustically coupled with a portion of the surface of a volume of tissue and a pulse of light is directed onto an area of the surface, the pulse imparting less than a predetermined fluence upon the surface. A sinogram is recorded by sampling transducers acoustically coupled with the surface of the volume for a predetermined period of time after the pulse of light to record data reflecting the optoacoustic response of the volume of tissue to the pulse, the samples for each transducer corresponding to a channel. The sinogram is analyzed for the presence of one or more anomalous channels, and the sinogram samples corresponding with the anomalous channels are modified to reduce the affect of the anomalous channel on an image reconstructed from the sinogram.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus for opto-acoustic imaging includes a first contact area adapted to apply a first pressure to a surface of an imaging volume of a subject and a second contact area adapted to apply a second pressure to the surface. The second contact area is configured to provide decreased blood exit from the imaging volume by restricting flow relative to the first contact area. An optical energy output port is provided to illuminate the imaging volume to produce opto-acoustic signals from an absorbed optical energy of blood in the imaging volume. The opto-acoustic signals are detected by one or more ultrasound transducers and processed by a processor to generate images of the volume. An image generated by processing the detected opto-acoustic signals is output on a display.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an opto-acoustic probe includes an acoustic receiver, an optical energy path, and an exterior surface with a combined optical and acoustic port. The probe includes an acoustically transmissive optical distribution element having a distal surface and a proximal surface. The distal surface is adapted to be coupled to a volume of a biological tissue to deliver optical energy to the volume and to exchange acoustic energy with the volume and the proximal surface permits acoustic energy originating within the volume due to delivered optical energy to be detected by the acoustic receiver after the acoustic energy passes through the optical distribution element. The optical energy path of the probe is adapted to pass optical energy to one or more optical energy inputs of the optical distribution element.

Abstract: A system is provided for component separation. In an embodiment, a light source or other source of electromagnetic energy delivers energy to a volume of tissue. A transducer array or other sensor receives a resulting acoustic signal, and a processing subsystem processes the acoustic signal to separate a direct acoustic return component from a secondary acoustic return component of the acoustic signal. An output and/or storage device presents and/or stores information about the direct acoustic return component, the secondary acoustic return component, or both. Other embodiments include a coded probe, a probe having an isolator that produces a wavefront, a sensor for measuring intensity of an acoustic wave produced by absorbed photons, and a system that receives acoustic signals from surface targets to determine an optical parameter of the volume.

Abstract: The diagnostic vector classification support system and method disclosed herein may both reduce the time and effort required to train radiologists to interpret medical images, and provide a decision support system for trained radiologists who, regardless of training, have the potential to miss relevant findings. In an embodiment, a morphological image is used to identify a zone of interest in a co-registered functional image. An operator's grading of a feature at least partially contained within the zone of interest is compared to one or more computer-generated grades for the feature. Where the operator and computer-generated grades differ, diagnostic support can be provided such as displaying additional images, revising the zone of interest, annotating one or more displayed images, displaying a computer-generated feature grade, among other possibilities disclosed herein.