VisualSonics Vevo LAZR Photoacoustic Imaging System

描述（由申请人提供）：本提案的目标是获得资金，用于购买最先进的VisualSonics Vevo LAZR成像平台、高分辨率高频超声增强激光系统，供维克森林医学院（WFSM）附属的新的NIH资助的研究人员使用。VisualSonics Vevo LAZR光声成像系统可在获得动态生理和分子成像的同时，对解剖结构进行低至30微米的非侵入性体内高分辨率成像。这将允许研究者在个体受试者中进行疾病进展和消退的纵向研究。此外，Vevo LAZR允许在一次成像过程中同时测量多个不同的参数，从而提供更全面和信息丰富的数据。因此，该设备将优化科学产出，并最大限度地减少所需的动物数量，从而节省成本。该系统将由两个中心管理-高血压和血管研究中心（HVRC）和生物分子成像中心（CBI）。HVRC将提供小动物生理测量方面的专业知识，CBI将提供必要的空间、监督和额外的技术专业知识，以促进仪器的即时和持续受益。这种伙伴关系继续HVRC和CBI之间的持续合作关系，并将通过结合这两个单位的优势和经验来提高效率。HVRC的两名调查员拥有Vevo LAZR光声装置与Vevo 2100超声平台的操作证书，并参加了在加拿大温斯顿-塞勒姆和多伦多举行的研讨会，因此将立即向用户提供现场专业知识。VisualSonics仪器将提高WFSM研究人员的能力和生产力，这些研究人员来自不同学科，包括高血压、动脉粥样硬化、癌症生物学和血管生成，他们使用转基因动物模型来探索疾病的遗传基础。该系统将通过提供一种快速、非电离辐射模式（可提供动态、实时、非侵入性成像），补充CBI中的其他共用成像设备（MRI、microPET、microCT）。我们预计，Vevo LAZR在临床前啮齿动物人类疾病模型中的成像应用将推动我们在治疗和根除高血压、动脉粥样硬化和癌症等复杂慢性疾病方面的努力。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this proposal is to obtain funds for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art VisualSonics Vevo LAZR imaging platform, high-resolution high-frequency, ultrasound enhanced laser system for the use of new and NIH-funded investigators affiliated with Wake Forest School of Medicine (WFSM). The VisualSonics Vevo LAZR Photoacoustic imaging system allows non-invasive, in vivo high resolution of anatomical structures down to 30 microns while obtaining dynamic physiological and molecular imaging. This will allow investigators to perform longitudinal studies of disease progression and regression in individual subjects. In addition, the Vevo LAZR allows for simultaneous measurement of a number of different parameters during a single imaging session, thereby providing more comprehensive and informative data. Thus this device will optimize scientific output and minimize numbers of animals needed, resulting in cost savings. This system will be administered by two Centers--The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center (HVRC) and the Center for Biomolecular Imaging (CBI). The HVRC will provide expertise in small animal physiological measurements and the CBI will provide the necessary space, supervision, and additional technical expertise to facilitate immediate and ongoing benefit of the instrument. This partnership continues the ongoing cooperative relationship between the HVRC and the CBI, and will create efficiencies by combining the strengths and experience of these two units. Two HVRC investigators have certificates in operation of the Vevo LAZR Photoacoustic unit with the Vevo 2100 ultrasound platform and attended workshops in Winston-Salem and in Toronto, Canada, so that there will be on-site expertise immediately available to users. The VisualSonics instrument will enhance the capabilities and productivity of a large well-funded group of WFSM investigators in diverse disciplines including hypertension, atherosclerosis, cancer biology and angiogenesis who use transgenic animal models to probe the genetic underpinnings of disease. This system will complement other shared-use imaging devices (MRI, microPET, microCT) in the CBI by providing a rapid, non-ionizing radiation modality that can provide dynamic, real-time non-invasive imaging. We expect that use of the Vevo LAZR for imaging in preclinical rodent models of human disease will advance our efforts in the treatment and eradication of complex chronic diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and cancer.