# Optoacoustically augmented magnetic guidewire for radiation-free minimally invasive therapies

## TL;DR

A new guidewire combines magnetic navigation and optoacoustic imaging to enable radiation-free, targeted therapies for cerebrovascular diseases.

## Contribution

A multifunctional guidewire integrating optoacoustic imaging and magnetic navigation for radiation-free, image-guided interventions.

## Key findings

- OptoMaG can be actively navigated with external magnetic fields to reach target brain sites in a 3D cerebrovascular phantom.
- The FePt tip allows localized thermal ablation and photodynamic therapy for tumor treatment without radiation.
- The guidewire serves as a radiation-free platform for real-time navigation and targeted therapies.

## Abstract

Endovascular interventions are essential for treating cerebrovascular diseases, yet their monitoring methods commonly rely on ionizing radiation and contrast agents, posing unnecessary risks to patients and clinicians. We present a multifunctional optoacoustically augmented magnetic guidewire (OptoMaG) that integrates optoacoustic imaging with magnetic navigation to enable radiation-free, image-guided interventions. The ~250-micrometer flexible guidewire incorporates a 460-nanometer luminescent core with an enhanced optoacoustic signature and a FePt magnetic tip for precise, steerable control. Proof-of-concept studies show that OptoMaG can be actively navigated with external magnetic fields to traverse a 3D human-scale cerebrovascular phantom and accurately reach target brain sites. Beyond navigation, the FePt tip enables localized thermal ablation under remote radiofrequency stimulation, highlighting its theranostic potential for tumor treatment. In addition, OptoMaG functions as a light source for photodynamic therapy, selectively activating photosensitizers to destroy tumor cells while preserving healthy tissue. Collectively, OptoMaG provides a safe, radiation-free platform merging real-time navigation with targeted therapeutic capabilities.

OptoMaG combines magnetic navigation and optoacoustic imaging to enable radiation-free intravascular guidewire interventions.