Although the concept seems to be a complicated one, in reality the facts on photoacoustic technology are clear. The idea was first discovered when Alexander Graham Bell was trying to find a wireless form of communication. When items were exposed to a constant flickering beam of light, the object would emit a sound.
However, it seemed that Bell's discovery was found before its time. Until the development of optical fibers, there was no way to transmit the conversation effectively. So the idea was dropped until almost a century later. What is now known as photoacoustic effect is becoming more popular in the field of biomedical imaging.
Today, a new idea of combining optics and ultrasonic imaging, called photoacoustic tomography, is being theorized as being able to provide detailed images. These new scans are thought to be comparable to the MRI imaging or CT scans that are used every day in diagnosing and monitoring a number of diseases of the body.
The main difference with this new technology is that it is much cheaper to use that the standard scans. Because the scans are able to view deeper than many other options, it is hoped that with more development it will be able to aid biopsy needles to go deeper into the tissues. Optimism is strong that it will also be able to assist with gastrointestinal endoscopy and check oxygen levels in the lymph nodes in order to help determine if a tumor is benign or not.
The technology works by using rapid pulses with a laser onto the tissue to obtain an image. The laser will heat the tissue slightly, which causes the cells to expand and contract, which creates a sound wave. A computer can pick up these sounds waves by using sensors on the skin, and create a three dimensional image of what is below the skin's surface.
Probably one of the most encouraging uses for this method is treating cancer patients. Blood cells are excellent at absorbing light and make them a perfect candidate at being able to give a high-contrast image of the vessels. It can also detect a heightened metabolic activity. These are both signs of cancer.
Scientists are also looking into the idea of developing a scanner that can provide technicians and physicians with both ultrasound images, as well as, the photoacoustic. Superimposing the two copies can offer an even better picture, it is believed. Currently, the developments are being used with monitoring the growth of breast cancers that have already been diagnosed.
Even though, there seems to be some serious strides that have been taken in this new technology, there are still some problems that have not yet been resolved. It has been determined that the deeper the laser goes into the tissues it becomes difficult to read due to the scattering of the vibration. This creates some limitations on how deeply it can be used. Despite these roadblocks, the facts on photoacoustic technology are encouraging. Many believe it will be the best method for patients in the near future.
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