Advancing biomedical optoacoustic tomography: from 3D vascular imaging to deep-tissue 5D functional imaging

Abstract

Optoacoustic tomography combines optical absorption contrast with ultrasonic resolution, enabling visualization of vascular anatomy and function beyond purely optical microscopy. This invited lecture reviews results obtained at the Laboratory of Ultrasound and Optoacoustic Diagnostics IAP RAS, tracing progression from raster-scanned three-dimensional angiography toward ultrafast multispectral volumetric imaging. Particular emphasis is placed on wideband polyvinylidene difluoride detectors and a 512-channel spherical matrix array developed for single-pulse acquisition of microvascular networks across millimeter-scale fields of view. Its ultrawide bandwidth supports multiscale visualization of major vessels and fine vascular branches while preserving sensitivity at biologically relevant depths. Three spatial dimensions supplemented by real time spectroscopy at different optical wavelengths to form a five-dimensional data space in which vascular morphology, perfusion dynamics, hemoglobin content, and blood oxygen saturation can be assessed concurrently. Representative examples include mapping tumor vascular remodeling, monitoring hemodynamic responses, and evaluating superficial vascular disease. We discuss how detector geometry, limited-view effects, acoustic bandwidth and data throughput determine quantitative performance. Finally, we outline pathways toward real-time functional diagnostics, including fast wavelength switching, parallel acquisition, GPU reconstruction, and calibrated signal processing. These developments position optoacoustic tomography as a nonionizing bridge between microscopy and conventional radiological imaging for functional assessment of living tissues.

Speaker

Pavel Subochev
Institute of Applied Physics RAS
Russia

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