Imaging Based Phenotyping

For imaging-based phenotyping, EPIC provides access to two different modalities, namely to an ultrasound/photoacoustic system and a computer tomograph.

High resolution micro-ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging system for real-time visualization

The system allows multiple applications such as anatomical, functional and physiological analyses, image-guided techniques, molecular and contrast-based imaging as well as photoacoustic imaging.

Ultrasound Imaging 

Using the ultrasound capability of the system, applications inlcude but are not limited to cardiac imaging, vascular imaging, tumor imaging, and molecular imaging. The system supports the following imaging modes: B-Mode, M-Mode, Power Doppler Mode, Pulsed Wave Doppler Mode, Color Doppler Mode, PW Tissue Doppler Mode and Contrast Mode. Measurements of the study data can be performed in all modes and include applications specific calculations for cardiology, abdominal anatomy, tumor analysis, embryology and vascular anatomy.

Photoacoustic Imaging 

The photoacoustic imaging is a new in-vivo hybrid imaging modality that combines the sensitivity and contrast of optical imaging with the depth and resolution of ultrasound. When pulsed laser light illuminates tissue, the optical absorbers there (such as hemoglobin) undergo thermoelastic expansion, generating an acoustic pressure wave which is detected with an ultrasound transducer.

The Vevo LAZR system incorporates photoacoustic imaging into high-resolution ultrasound. The ultrasound imaging provides a high-resolution frame-of-reference for identifying anatomy, while the photoacoustic imaging enables functional measurements such as oxygen saturation, total hemoglobin and the microdistribution of biomarkers. As such, the system provides optical contrast for blood and molecular imaging, high-resolution at depth, real-time non-invasive anatomical, functional and molecular data. 

Available device: Vevo® 2100 with Vevo LAZR imaging system