Miniature ultrasound platform for imaging in inflammatory diseases

This research project was awarded the 2024 Birmingham BRC Collaboration Fund

Status: Project ended

Inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), often require invasive ultrasound imaging for diagnosis and management. Current ultrasound platforms have limitations in image quality and patient comfort due to their technical capabilities and physical size.

Project aims

This project explored a novel approach based on ultra-miniature, high-performance ultrasound detectors based on optical technology, with the potential to enable higher-quality imaging in much smaller and less invasive devices.

As a pump-priming project, the primary aim was to generate the preliminary data needed to support future funding applications and larger-scale research programmes. To achieve this, the project brought together experts in imaging technology, biomedical research and clinical practice to evaluate the feasibility of the approach. The team successfully developed a prototype scanner using a highly miniaturisable technology, verified its ultrasound measurement capabilities, and identified relevant tissue samples for testing. Preliminary imaging studies were also undertaken to explore the potential application of a miniaturised photoacoustic imaging platform in cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

By demonstrating the feasibility of this innovative imaging technology, the project has laid the groundwork for future development of smaller, less invasive imaging tools. In the longer term, this approach could improve disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring and clinical decision-making across a range of inflammatory diseases.

Outputs

Localized measurement of ultrasonic waves using a Fabry–Perot sensor illuminated by a Bessel beam

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High-resolution imaging of ultrasonic fields through a multimode optical fiber

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