CalPACT / Union Photoacoustic Technologies

Single-breath-hold photoacoustic computed tomography (SBH-PACT) is commercially available through CalPACT/UPT. It can reveal detailed angiographic structures in human breasts. SBH-PACT features a deep penetration depth (4 cm in vivo) with high spatial and temporal resolutions (255-µm in-plane resolution and a 10-Hz 2D frame rate). By scanning the entire breast within a single breath hold (~15 sec), a volumetric image can be acquired and subsequently reconstructed utilizing 3D backprojection with negligible breathing-induced motion artifacts. Imaged breast sizes range from B cup to DD cup (over 99% of the U.S. population has breast sizes of DD cup or smaller), and skin pigmentations range from light to dark. SBH-PACT shows tumors by revealing greater blood vessel densities associated with tumors. In addition to vessel imaging, the high imaging speed enables dynamic studies, such as photoacoustic elastography, which provides a second contrast for additional confirmation of tumors by showing less compliance.