Localization optoacoustic tomography

TL;DR

Localization optoacoustic tomography (LOAT) is a novel imaging technique that uses rapid 3D acquisitions of flowing particles to surpass traditional resolution limits and improve microvascular imaging in tissues.

Contribution

The paper introduces LOAT, a new method combining localization and optoacoustic imaging to enhance resolution and visibility of microstructures in deep tissues.

Findings

Breaks through acoustic diffraction resolution barrier

Enhances microvascular structure visibility under limited-view conditions

Potential for advanced functional and anatomical microcirculation studies

Abstract

Localization-based imaging has revolutionized fluorescence optical microscopy and has also enabled unprecedented ultrasound images of microvascular structures in deep tissues. Herein, we introduce a new concept of localization optoacoustic tomography (LOAT) that employs rapid sequential acquisition of three-dimensional optoacoustic images from flowing absorbing particles. We show that the new method enables breaking through the spatial resolution barrier of acoustic diffraction while further enhancing the visibility of structures under limited-view tomographic conditions. Given the intrinsic sensitivity of optoacoustics to multiple hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters, LOAT may enable new level of performance in studying functional and anatomical alterations of microcirculation.