State-of-the-art ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging systems are available as a resource for conducting research studies. These resources are available at nominal hourly fees. The ultrasound imaging resources can be used for diverse projects involving size and blood flow measurements, angiogenesis and tissue vascularity, and tissue elasticity. The core supports multidisciplinary radiology, oncology, cardiology, gynecology, hematology, and other research.
Instrumentation and Resources
Vevo LAZR Imaging System
This system provides ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging and versatile software for quantitative image analysis.
Ultrasound imaging: A high-frequency scanner designed to scan small animals. The scanner provides exquisite high-resolution images at 30-50 MHz ultrasound frequencies. The scanner enables in-vivo assessment of anatomical structures and hemodynamic functions. It is well suited for longitudinal studies in preclinical models.
The scanner has spectral ultrasound for quantitative blood flow velocity and waveform measurements. The M-mode of the scanner monitors tissue motion to characterize tissue motion. The grayscale and Doppler modes provide 3D anatomic and blood flow imaging. These modes are useful for tumor size measurements and for visualizing blood vessel branching and blood flow patterns spatially and temporally. The scanner's Mouse Handling Platform maintains animal core temperature and monitors the ECG and other physiological measurements. The animal's ECG can be monitored on screen.
Photoacoustic imaging: Photoacoustic imaging is a hybrid imaging modality that combines the sensitivity and contrast of optical imaging with the depth and resolution of ultrasound. When pulsed laser light illuminates tissue, the optical absorbers (such as hemoglobin) undergo thermoelastic expansion, generating an acoustic pressure wave detected with an ultrasound transducer.
The Vevo LAZR system incorporates photoacoustic imaging into high-resolution ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging identifies the anatomy, while photoacoustic imaging enables functional measurements such as oxygen saturation, total hemoglobin, and the micro-distribution of exogenous photoacoustic chromophores.
VEGA REVVITY Ultrasound Scanner
- The key features and capabilities of the system include the following.
- Hands-free and automated imaging, eliminating the need for manual operation by a sonographer
- High-throughput capability: It can scan up to three subjects in a few minutes, significantly increasing research productivity.
- High-resolution imaging: The system delivers high-resolution 2D and 3D imaging, providing detailed anatomic visualizations
- 3D widefield whole-subject imaging
- Multiple imaging modes
- Standard B-Mode and M-Mode capability
- Acoustic Angiography (AA) mode for visualization of microvasculature
- Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) mode for quantifying tissue stiffness
- Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)
- Image visualization and analysis software for quantitative analysis
Initiating an Ultrasound Study
- Complete a SAIF application form. The application instructions can be found on the SAIF website. Please ensure that IACUC has approved the study.
- NIH sponsored studies are charged at an hourly rate.
- Investigators are responsible for performing imaging and all prep work on mice.
- Data acquired during the imaging session(s) will be held for three months. It is the responsibility of the investigator to obtain the data and make any backups necessary for long-term storage of the data
Scheduling an Ultrasound Study
Contact Ching-Hui Huang or Chandra Sehgal and provide the time and date of the study.
Rates
| Human Studies |
Hourly |
| Corporate Animal, Cellular, and Phantom studies |
$175 |
| NIH Animal, Cellular, and Phantom studies |
$150 |
| Image Analysis Corporate |
$170 |
| Image Analysis NIH |
$140 |
Contact
Chandra (Sandy) Sehgal, PhD
Sub Core Director, Ultrasound and Professor of Radiology
Department of Radiology
Email: chandra.sehgal@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Ching-Hui Huang, PhD
Sub Core Technical Director, Ultrasound
Email: chinghu@pennmedicine.upenn.edu