Wireless ultrasound device based photoacoustic imaging system (wUS-PA)

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a hybrid imaging modality providing optical contrast with ultrasound (US) resolution for deep tissue imaging. Currently PA imaging systems use either a laser or pulsed diode as illumination source, and a cart-based bulky US imaging system for signal receiving and image formation. Hence, they are impractical for use in point-of-care, trauma care and resource limited settings where compact inexpensive systems are prefered. In this work we demonstrate the feasibility of PA imaging using a wireless ultrasound device. L15HD3, (Clarius) is integrated with pulsed laser diode (PLD) using a custom-made universal trigger adaptor for PA imaging. Phantom experiments and dynamic imaging have been done to characterize the performance of the system. The developed wireless ultrasound device based photoacoustic imaging system is based on a US device that is ultra-compact, ultra-low-cost and FDA (food and drug administration) approved. This will lead to future development of complete wireless photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging and a truly ultra-portable, low-cost, wireless imaging.