多波长光声层析成像技术用于人体气管探测

Multiple Wavelength Photoacoustic Tomography of Human Cervical Trachea

目的通过多波长光声层析成像技术对气管结构进行重建成像。方法基于阵列换能器的光声成像技术对7名志愿者的气管进行了多波长光声层析成像实验,研究光声层析成像技术对气管不同呼吸相、不同层面的高分辨率(高达150μm)图像特征,并对该技术的成像优劣性进行评价。结果光声层析成像技术能对人体气管进行清晰成像,能够真实反映气管及气管周围组织的结构特征。结论光声层析成像技术可作为一种无创便捷、无电离辐射的成像方式,对气管解剖和功能状态进行实时评估。

Objective This study opens a new direction for photoacoustic tomography(PAT)to image human cervical trachea.Methods A multi-wavelength PAT experiment was performed on the cervical trachea of seven volunteers.The characteristics of high resolution(up to 150μm)images of the respiratory cycle and different layers of tracheal wall were studied by PAT,and the imaging advantages and defects of this technique were evaluated.Results Our study demonstrated the ability of PAT to image human cervical trachea,and delineate the structural characteristics of it and its surrounding tissues.Variation of tracheal lumen at different phases of a respiratory cycle by PAT indicated its high time resolution.Collagen,as an endogenous contrast of PAT,was abundant in tracheal cartilage,which has a wavelength of absorption coefficient ranging from 900 nm to 1300 nm.This study shows that the wavelength of 910 nm is best for tracheal cartilage imaging.Conclusion It can be considered as a non-invasive,convenient and non-ionizing radiation imaging method for real-time evaluation of human trachea.Given the high spatial resolution and real-time capabilities,PAT has the potential to become a useful tool for non-invasive airway imaging in future.We believe this study sets the ground work for the analysis of the human trachea using PAT in vivo.