Optoacoustic imaging for clinical applications: Devices and methods

Introduction: Optoacoustic (photoacoustic) imaging offers visualization of optical contrast in tissues, within several millimeters to centimeters, with resolutions that are typical of ultrasound imaging. This performance can offer a natural extension to widespread optical microscopy approaches, for applications from small animals to humans. Areas covered: An increasing number of optoacoustic approaches are considered for biomedical imaging. Implementations range from handheld and endoscopic operations to fixed scanner set-ups that can address a wide range of preclinical and clinical needs. This article illuminates aspects of the underlying principles of optoacoustic imaging operation and critically reviews the major system trends developed for clinical application. In addition to anatomical imaging, typically performed using single wavelength illumination, multispectral methods are also reviewed as they pertain to functional and molecular imaging. This article also highlights the advantages and limitations as well as the potential of this technology for clinical practice. Expert opinion: Optoacoustic imaging is an emerging and highly promising area of the imaging sciences that can offer high-resolution optical visualization deep within tissues. Therefore, it offers a promising alternative to existing optical systems developed for clinical use, which are generally limited to superficial or low-resolution imaging. These up-and-coming features offer a wider variety of optoacoustic approaches that are likely to be clinically deployed in the near future.