研究目的

To review the principles, applications, and advancements of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) in dermatology, with a focus on their use in imaging skin blood vessels and diseases, and to discuss the potential of dual-modality OCTA-PAT systems.

研究成果

OCTA provides high-resolution microvasculature imaging in superficial skin layers with good reliability and non-invasiveness, supported by commercial systems and numerous clinical studies. PAI offers deeper penetration and functional capabilities like oxygen saturation measurement but faces challenges in resolution and signal discrimination. Dual-modality OCTA-PAT systems combine the strengths of both, enabling comprehensive skin morphology and vasculature visualization, with promising clinical translation potential despite current hardware limitations.

研究不足

For OCTA: Limited imaging depth in skin (up to about 1-1.5 mm), inability to extract functional parameters like oxygen saturation. For PAI: Challenges in distinguishing melanin and hemoglobin signals, motion artifacts due to slow imaging speed in some configurations, and ambiguity in skin layer boundaries. For dual-modality systems: Issues with pressure control on skin, temperature sensitivity of detectors, and lack of spectroscopic imaging demonstration.