Innovative technologies in ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging

Ultrasound imaging is a state-of-the-art technique that is commonly used in clinical practice thanks to its safety for patients and inexpensive cost. Our research activity covers the development of automated ultrasound image processing techniques, using clinical images acquired with and without contrast agents, for the calculation of quantitative parameters. Specifically, we have acquired expertise in the extraction of quantitative morphological, architectural and textural parameters in cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and thyroid applications. In this area, research is also focused on radiomics and ultrasound image simulation for the study of pathology evolution, in the analysis and beamforming of the raw radiofrequency ultrasound signals and in the simultaneous use of ultrasound and electromyographic techniques for the combined study of muscle architecture/biomechanics and electrophysiology. Photoacoustics is a developing functional imaging technique that is based on the illumination of tissue that absorbs the light and subsequently releases ultrasound waves that are captured. Our research activity covers the development of automated techniques to quantify vascular architecture complexity without the use of any contrast agent to study the progression of diseases, and the development of innovative image processing methods to improve photoacoustic image analysis and interpretation.

ERC Sector:

  • LS7_1 Medical engineering and technology
  • LS4_7 Cardiovascular diseases
  • LS4_6 Cancer and its biological basis

Keywords:

  • Biomedical imaging, photoacoustic imaging
  • Ultrasounds, beamforming

Research groups