title: Imaging of small vessels using photoacoustics: an in vivo study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The ability to correctly visualize the architectural arrangement of microvasculature is valuable to many diverse fields in medicine. In this study, we applied photoacoustics (PA) to obtain high-resolution images of submillimeter blood vessels.
  
  
  METHODS
  Short laser pulses are used to generate ultrasound from superficial blood vessels in several animal models. From these ultrasound waves the interior of blood vessels can be reconstructed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We present results from a novel approach based on the PA principle that allows specific in vivo visualization of dermal blood vessels without the use of contrast agents or ionizing radiation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We show PA images of externalized blood vessels and demonstrate in vivo PA imaging of vasculature through layers of skin varying in thickness.
authors.affiliation: Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands. rsiphanto@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Ronald I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Siphanto
authors.forename: Roy G M
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Kolkman
authors.forename: Arjan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Huisjes
authors.forename: Magdalena C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Pilatou
authors.forename: Frits F M
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: de Mul
authors.forename: Wiendelt
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Steenbergen
authors.forename: Leon N A
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: van Adrichem
mesh_terms: D000162:Acoustics; D000818:Animals; D007834:Lasers; D008643:Mesentery / Q000098:blood supply*; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D023421:Models, Animal; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D014463:Ultrasonography