A novel photoacoustic imaging watch has emerged, offering users real-time glimpses inside their bodies without the need for bulky equipment.
Developed by researchers from the Southern University of Science and Technology in China, this wearable device provides high-resolution imaging of blood vessels in the skin. It presents a potential noninvasive method for monitoring various hemodynamic indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
(Photo : Lei Xi, Southern University of Science and Technology)
Blood Flowing-imaging Watch
The device comprises a compact watch housing an imaging interface, a handheld computer, and a backpack containing the necessary laser and power supply components.
Led by Lei Xi from the Southern University of Science and Technology in China, the research team overcame significant challenges in miniaturizing and optimizing the imaging interface to create what they believe to be the first photoacoustic wearable device suitable for healthcare applications.
By leveraging photoacoustic imaging - a technique that generates images by detecting light-induced sound waves resulting from light absorption in structures - the device provides valuable insights into microvessels' functional and structural characteristics.
"Miniaturized wearable imaging systems like the one we developed could potentially be used by community health centers for preliminary disease diagnosis or for long-term monitoring of parameters related to blood circulation within a hospital setting, offering valuable insights to inform treatments for various diseases," Xi said in a statement.
"With further development this type of system could also be helpful for the early detection of skin conditions such as psoriasis and melanoma or for analyzing burns."
In practical terms, the photoacoustic imaging watch allows for the observation of blood flow variations during different activities, enabling potential applications in disease diagnosis, long-term monitoring of blood circulation parameters, and even early detection of skin conditions such as psoriasis and melanoma.
The wearable system could have potential implications for various medical fields, including cancer, vascular, and dermatological imaging.
Optical Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy
To achieve portability and usability, the researchers developed a compact optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy system featuring a compact pulsed laser, fiber-based light path, and integrated electronic system, all housed within the backpack.
Additionally, they designed a handheld device for storing images and a miniaturized watch-type imaging interface with an adjustable focal plane and real-time image display capabilities.
Key features of the system include a lateral resolution of 8.7 µm-sufficient for resolving most microvessels in the skin-and a maximum field of view of around 3 mm in diameter, enabling the capture of microvascular details.
Crucially, the device's adaptability allows for imaging while the user is in motion, with an adjustable laser focus facilitating imaging of multilayered structures like skin.
Moving forward, the researchers aim to further enhance the device by incorporating a smaller laser source with a higher repetition rate, making it even more compact and lightweight while improving safety and temporal resolution.
Additionally, they plan to ensure the stability of the optical path over extended periods and under more intense conditions while also exploring the integration of multispectral illumination for acquiring additional physiological parameters.
The study findings were published in the journal Optics Letters.
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