FULLPHASE · Fully integrated real time multi-wavelength photoacoustics for early disease detection

Healthcare at affordable cost is a major challenge with the aging population and the prevalence of chronic disease, supporting the need for early diagnosis and optimal treatment monitoring already at the level of the General Practitioner. Within this context, research on diagnostic imaging has recently gone hand in hand with the notion that the combination of various modalities is the key step towards improved diagnostic accuracy.<br/>Ultrasound (US) is promising for point-of-care imaging because, of its real-time display, high temporal and spatial resolution, low cost and safe of use. However, it falls short in terms of functional imaging. On the other hand optical techniques provide high contrast by the pronounced optical absorption variations in tissue and functional imaging when probing spectral features, but optical scattering limits the resolution of purely optical methods. Photoacoustic imaging (PA) shows optical absorption at ultrasound resolution via thermo-elastically generated ultrasound.<br/>The objective of FULLPHASE is the transition of PA imaging from a lab-based technique to a low-cost portable multi wavelength combined PA and US system. In order to reach that goal, the FULLPHASE partners offer specific expertise over complementary backgrounds in diode laser technology, laser beam shaping, ultrasound imaging technology, and system integration. The impact of the FULLPHASE system will be shown in oncology, rheumatology and cardio vascular disease.<br/>The ultrasound technology market is currently dominated by few large companies mainly located in the US, Europe and Asia. The FULLPHASE low cost portable PA and US medical system for early disease detection that will be commercialised by ESAOTE Europe will give the involved research institutes and the industrial partner's access to new know-how and new markets. It will stimulate the implementation of a new imaging concept that will create a change in health care delivery.