Characterization of intra-tissue strain fields in articular cartilage explants during post-loading recovery using high frequency ultrasound.

This study aims to demonstrate the potential of ultrasound elastography as a research tool for non-destructive imaging of intra-tissue strain fields and tissue quality assessment in cartilage explants. Osteochondral plugs from bovine patellae were loaded up to 10, 40, or 70 N using a hemi-spherical indenter. The load was kept constant for 15 min, after which samples were unloaded and ultrasound imaging of strain recovery over time was performed in the indented area for 1 h.

SVD-based filtering to detect intraplaque hemorrhage using single wavelength photoacoustic imaging.

Significance: Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is an important indicator of plaque vulnerability. Early detection could aid the prevention of stroke.

Aim: We aim to detect IPH with single wavelength PA imaging in vivo and to improve image quality.

Towards in vivo photoacoustic imaging of vulnerable plaques in the carotid artery.

The main indicator for endarterectomy is the grade of stenosis, which results in severe overtreatment. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) can provide patient-specific assessment of plaque morphology, and thereby vulnerability. A pilot study of PAI on carotid plaques in patients (n=16) was performed intraoperatively with a hand-held PAI system.