RSOM

High-resolution visualization of superficial microvasculature is critical for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of diseases like skin cancers, tumor angiogenesis and vascular disease. Conventional imaging modalities are able to assess microvasculature only with the help of contrast agents or invasive techniques. Raster-scanning optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) utilizes laser excitation and high-frequency acoustic detection, thereby providing intrinsic optical tissue contrast, with up to 10 μm resolution, at several millimeters depth.

iThera Medical has developed RSOM imaging systems for explorative preclinical and clinical use. Clinically, RSOM can be utilized to detect diseases in which irregular accumulation of hemoglobin or melanin is involved, at mesoscopic scales. Preclinically, RSOM can additionally be used to resolve the presence of molecular probes.