Photoacoustic imaging using a 9F microLinear CMUT ICE catheter

This work presents our preliminary results on developing a multi-modality imaging catheter enabling combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. We have developed an optical fiber ring catheter for use with our previously demonstrated 9F, real-time, forward-looking intracardiac ultrasound imaging catheter. Our custom software provides realtime ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging on a PC-based imaging platform. The promising phantom and in vivo imaging results presented here demonstrate the utility of a fully integrated catheter that provides both anatomical and functional information through co-registered ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging capabilities.