We are developing an innovative camera system that integrates with surgical workflows to enhance the precision of cancer tissue identification during surgery, aiming to improve outcomes in open and laparoscopic procedures. Our technology revolutionizes intraoperative imaging by combining photoacoustic, ultrasound, and fluorescence modalities in a non-contact, real-time visualization tool, thereby maintaining surgical flow and eliminating the need for disruptive traditional imaging tools. 

Degenerative retinal disorders often result in permanent vision loss. Targeting photoreceptor disorders with intact retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) offers potential for partial vision restoration through precise stimulation. We propose using photoacoustic (PA) waves to activate RGC in a non-contact manner with high resolution, leveraging acoustic pressure to stimulate mechanosensitive channels, providing a novel vision restoration approach.

To achieve effective robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, the integration of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) imaging system which is the most widely used imaging modality in prostate imaging is essential. However, manual manipulation of the ultrasound transducer during the procedure will significantly interfere with the surgery. Therefore, we propose an image co-registration algorithm based on a photoacoustic marker (PM) method, where the ultrasound/photoacoustic (US/PA) images can be registered to the endoscopic camera images to ultimately enable the TRUS transducer to automatically track the surgical instrument.

In this paper, we present a novel design framework of synthetic radial aperture focusing for three-dimensional (3D) transrectal ultrasound imaging (TRUS-rSAF), in which multiple transmittance/reception events at different scanning angles are synthesized to reconstruct a radial plane in the target volume, securing high spatial resolution and texture uniformity. A theory-based design approach has not been available to push the envelope of the 3D rSAF technique. Herein, a closed-form analytical description of the TRUS-rSAF method is presented for the first time, effectively delineating spatial resolution and grating lobe positions in the radial dimension of a TRUS transducer. We demonstrate a solid optimization workflow based on the theoretical foundation to improve its spatiotemporal resolution,grating lobe artifacts,and signal-to-noise ratio.A specific design criterion was considered to outperform a clinical 3D TRUS imaging as a reference (TRUS-REF), where each radial plane is reconstructed with a single transmittance/reception event using a motorized actuator. The optimized TRUS-rSAF method significantly enhanced spatial resolution up to 50% over the TRUS-REF method while providing clinically effective temporal resolution (2–8 volume/sec) with negligible grating lobe artifacts.The results indicate that the proposed design approach would enable a novel TRUS imaging solution in clinics.

Nerve graft repair surgery has been accepted for treating peripheral nerve injuries in which the transected nerve ends are incapable of primary end-to-end tensionless neurorrhaphy. In this paper, we present ex vivo proof-of-concept of a functional intra-operative guidance using voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging. In particular, we here evaluate the efficacy of photoacoustic (PA) and fluorescence (FL) imaging modalities, in each of which near-infrared VSD contrast can be obtained by transmembrane VSD redistribution mechanism upon neuronal depolarization events. Realistic nerve graft surgery was mimicked by ex vivo sciatic nerve freshly excised from an anesthetized pig model. The dual-modal PA/FL imaging system was configured to monitor ex vivo sample chamber with wide field-of-view covering a significant portion of the nerve sample. The ex vivo sample chamber was equipped with an arbitrary electrical stimulation and recording system to trigger and monitor the neuronal electrophysiology, respectively. The proof-of-concept study suggested the high VSD signal sensitivity in functional PA VSD imaging with its unique depth profiling capability over the thick nerve tissue (<2-mm diameter). Otherwise, FL imaging indicated unspecific signal trends that might suffer from depth-unspecific imaging mode, which makes it challenging to extract nerve-related signals from background VSD signal clutter unbound to nerve tissue.