Photoacoustic imaging of peripheral vessels in extremities by large-scale synthetic matrix array.

Significance: Various peripheral vascular diseases (PVD) in extremities, such as arterial atherosclerosis or venous occlusion in arm or legs, are a serious global health threat. Noninvasive vascular imaging is of great value for both diagnosis and assessment of PVD.

Approach: By scanning a one-dimensional non-focusing linear array, an equivalent large two-dimensional (2D) matrix array with hundreds of thousands or more ultrasound elements is formed, thereby achieving a wide signal reception angle as well as large imaging area for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of peripheral extremities.

Aim: To provide a feasible bedside and noninvasive imaging method for vascular imaging in extremities.

Results: Our system can achieve high-quality photoacoustic (PA) peripheral vessel imaging. The 3D subcutaneous vascular imaging results of the palms and arms of healthy volunteers demonstrate the superior performance of the system.

Conclusions: This work proposes a clinically oriented PA 3D subcutaneous vascular imaging system for human extremities. The system employs a synthetic matrix array via scanning a one-dimensional non-focusing linear probe, providing noninvasive, high-resolution, and high-contrast images of human extremities. It has potential application value in the diagnosis and monitoring of vascular diseases.