Dysphagia assessment based on photoacoustic imaging: a pilot ex vivo and in vivo study in infant swine models

TL;DR

This study explores using photoacoustic imaging as a safer, non-invasive method to assess swallowing in infants, offering an alternative to traditional methods that involve radiation or discomfort.

Contribution

The study introduces photoacoustic imaging with a charcoal contrast agent as a novel non-invasive method for detecting swallowing dynamics in infant swine models.

Findings

Photoacoustic imaging successfully detected charcoal flow in pig airways during ex-vivo tests.

In-vivo experiments showed photoacoustic imaging can capture swallowing structures similar to videofluoroscopy.

The method shows potential for safer dysphagia assessment in pediatric patients.

Abstract

Swallowing impairments, such as dysphagia, pose significant health risks, including aspiration pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly. Traditional diagnostic methods like videofluoroscopy and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing have limitations, including radiation exposure and discomfort. This study explores the potential of photoacoustic imaging as a non-invasive alternative for detecting swallowing events. Utilizing a 10 mg/mL charcoal solution as a contrast agent, we conducted both ex-vivo and in-vivo experiments using pig models. The ex-vivo tests on pig cadavers validated the system’s ability in detecting charcoal flow in the airway. Subsequent in-vivo experiments on live pigs, conducted with synchronized videofluoroscopy, demonstrated photoacoustic’s potential in seeing the same structure as videofluoroscopy. Our preliminary investigation indicates that photoacoustic imaging could offer a safer, more accurate method for dysphagia assessment, particularly in pediatric settings.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44258-025-00062-6.

• Dual-model imaging system includes photoacoustic imaging with videofluoroscopy, enhanced by a charcoal contrast agent, successfully captures swallowing dynamics in real-time in pig airways, offering a promising non-invasive alternative solution for patients vulnerable to dysphagia.

• This research using an adjustable transducer probe capable of optimizing light path angles, enhancing the optical performance of photoacoustic imaging in real-time dysphagia.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44258-025-00062-6.

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