Cross‐Ray Ultrasound Tomography and Photoacoustic Tomography of Cerebral Hemodynamics in Rodents. Issue 25 (11th July 2022) - Na, Shuai
Abstract: Recent advances in functional ultrasound imaging (fUS) and photoacoustic tomography (PAT) offer powerful tools for studying brain function. Complementing each other, fUS and PAT, respectively, measure the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and hemoglobin concentrations, allowing synergistic characterization of cerebral hemodynamics. Here, cross‐ray ultrasound tomography (CRUST) and its combination with PAT are presented. CRUST employs a virtual point source from a spherically focused ultrasonic transducer (SFUST) to provide widefield excitation at a 4‐kHz pulse repetition frequency. A full‐ring‐shaped ultrasonic transducer array whose imaging plane is orthogonal to the SFUST's acoustic axis receives scattered ultrasonic waves. Superior to conventional fUS, whose sensitivity to blood flow is angle‐dependent and low for perpendicular flow, the crossed transmission and panoramic detection fields of CRUST provide omnidirectional sensitivity to CBF. Using CRUST‐PAT, the CBF, oxygen saturation, and hemoglobin concentration changes of the mouse brain during sensory stimulation are measured, with a field of view of ≈7 mm in diameter, spatial resolution of ≈170 µm, and temporal resolution of 200 Hz. The results demonstrate CRUST‐PAT as a unique tool for studying cerebral hemodynamics. Abstract : Cross‐ray ultrasound tomography (CRUST) consists of a standalone spherically focused ultrasonic transducer for transmission and an orthogonal ring‐shaped array for detection. The crossed transmission and panoramic detection fields provide omnidirectional Doppler sensitivity, distinguishing CRUST from conventional methods. CRUST and photoacoustic tomography are combined to image the dynamics of cerebral blood flow and hemoglobin concentrations simultaneously in the mouse brain.