Compensation for air voids in photoacoustic computed tomography image reconstruction

Thomas P. Matthews, Lei Li, Lihong V. Wang, Mark A. Anastasio

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Most image reconstruction methods in photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) assume that the acoustic properties of the object and the surrounding medium are homogeneous. This can lead to strong artifacts in the reconstructed images when there are significant variations in sound speed or density. Air voids represent a particular challenge due to the severity of the differences between the acoustic properties of air and water. In whole-body small animal imaging, the presence of air voids in the lungs, stomach, and gastrointestinal system can limit image quality over large regions of the object. Iterative reconstruction methods based on the photoacoustic wave equation can account for these acoustic variations, leading to improved resolution, improved contrast, and a reduction in the number of imaging artifacts. However, the strong acoustic heterogeneities can lead to instability or errors in the numerical wave solver. Here, the impact of air voids on PACT image reconstruction is investigated, and procedures for their compensation are proposed. The contributions of sound speed and density variations to the numerical stability of the wave solver are considered, and a novel approach for mitigating the impact of air voids while reducing the computational burden of image reconstruction is identified. These results are verified by application to an experimental phantom.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPhotons Plus Ultrasound
Subtitle of host publicationImaging and Sensing 2016
EditorsAlexander A. Oraevsky, Lihong V. Wang
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628419429
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
EventPhotons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing 2016 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Feb 14 2016Feb 17 2016

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume9708
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferencePhotons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period2/14/162/17/16

Keywords

  • Photoacoustic computed tomography
  • acoustic heterogeneity
  • image reconstruction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Biomaterials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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