Ultrasonic and Photoacoustic Imaging System for Cancer & Cardiovascular Research

描述(由申请人提供)：此共享仪器提案的目标是在威斯康星医学研究所(WIMR)开发有效的小动物成像能力，特别是实施创新的临床前超声和光声成像能力。我们诚挚地请求资金购买Visualsonics Vevo(R)LAZR光声成像系统，该系统配有换能器和辅助设备，将能够对肿瘤和其他疾病模型进行表面和深度成像、生理监测以及有效地高速记录灌注、应变和分子标签剂。这种高分辨率的显微成像系统是专门为非侵入性小动物研究而设计的。它可以通过成年小鼠实时提供胚胎水平的结构的活体可视化，并具有执行疾病进展和退化的纵向研究的能力。该系统具有分辨率低至30微米的解剖和生理结构，以及可视化图像引导的针头注射和提取、微循环和心血管血流评估的能力，因此在许多不同学科中都有应用，这些学科使用小鼠、大鼠或其他小动物作为其模型系统。基于WIMR的13个大项目和8个小项目的调查人员描述了基于阵列的超声和光声系统在他们的研究中的集成。Vevo(R)LAZR不仅支持现有的研究，还提供令人兴奋和重要的新信息，将定量成像与先进的生物评估相结合，以监测疾病的进展/退化和治疗的有效性。全面的教育和营销计划将告知整个威斯康星州医学院和校园的研究人员该系统可以如何加强他们自己的研究。商业模式包括适中的使用费和来自医学物理系、碳骨癌中心和医学与公共卫生学院的强有力的机构承诺，确保该系统将在仪器的整个生命周期内继续使研究人员受益。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this shared instrumentation proposal is to develop effective small animal imaging capabilities in the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research (WIMR), specifically to implement innovative preclinical ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging capabilities. We are respectfully requesting funds to purchase the Visualsonics Vevo(R) LAZR Photoacoustic Imaging system, with transducers and supporting equipment that will enable superficial and deep imaging of tumors and other disease models, physiological monitoring, and effective high speed recording of perfusion, strain, and molecular tagging agents. This high-resolution, micro imaging system was devised specifically for non-invasive small animal research. It can deliver in vivo visualization of structures at the embryonic level through the adult mouse in real time and has the ability to perform longitudinal studies of disease progression and regression. With resolution of anatomical and physiological structures down to 30 microns and the ability to visualize image-guided needle injection and extraction, microcirculatory and cardiovascular blood flow assessments, the system has applications in many different disciplines that use the mouse, rat or other small animals for its model system. WIMR based investigators of 13 major projects and 8 minor projects describe the integration of the array-based ultrasound and photoacoustic system into their research. The Vevo(R) LAZR not only bolsters existing studies, but also provides exciting and important new information, combining quantitative imaging with advanced biological assessments to monitor progression/regression of disease and effectiveness of therapeutics. Comprehensive educational and marketing plans will inform researchers throughout the UW medical school and campus on ways that the system could enhance their own research. A business model that includes modest user fees and a strong institutional commitment from the Medical Physics department, the Carbone Cancer Center, and the School of Medicine and Public Health assures the system will continue to benefit researchers for the lifetime of the instrument.