Joon-Mo Yang and colleagues have developed a new endoscopic technique for the in vivo imaging of internal organs, combining endoscopic ultrasound and photoacoustic endoscopy in a single instrument. In addition to improved resolution, imaging depth, multimodal contrast, and distal-end scanning, the new hybrid imaging modality can also provide functional information such as hemoglobin concentration and blood oxygenation. Feasibility is shown in vivo by simultaneous photoacoustic endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound imaging of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts of rats and rabbits.
- Joon-Mo Yang
- Christopher Favazza
- Lihong V Wang
