25 Years of Biomedical Optoacoustics: From Idea to Optoacoustic Imaging and Theranostics

摘要

We proposed to use optoacoustics (photoacoustics) for biomedical applications and for more than 25 years havebeen working on it. In this overview we present our major biomedical optoacoustics achievements over these years.Optoacoustic diagnostic modality is based on thermoelastic generation of optoacoustic waves and combines high opticalcontrast and ultrasound spatial resolution. We proposed to use the optoacoustic technique for a number of applicationsincluding cancer detection in breast, prostate, and other organs; hematoma detection and characterization; monitoring ofthermotherapy (hyperthermia, coagulation, freezing); monitoring of cerebral blood oxygenation in adults, neonatalpatients, fetuses during late stage labor; monitoring of central venous oxygenation and total hemoglobin concentration.In early 90s we started from ideas, basic science, and first in vitro studies. In mid 90s we demonstrated optoacousitcwave: 1) detection from tissues at cm-depths (well beyond the light diffusion limit); 2) detection from microscopic tissuevolumes; 3) diffraction and attenuation effects in tissues. Then we reconstructed first optoacoustic images of tissuephantoms and tissues. We developed optoacoustic methods and systems (including highly-compact laser diode systems)for monitoring, mapping, and imaging in many organs (including the human brain) and tested them in small and largeanimal studies and in clinical studies in healthy volunteers and patients with traumatic brain injury, circulatory shock,and anemia as well as in neonatal and fetal patients. Recently, we proposed to use optoacoustic therapy and theranosticsand tested them in animal studies. At present, biomedical optoacoustics is an emerging diagnostic imaging modality witha great potential to become an invaluable tool for diagnostics, therapy, and theranostics.