Device and Method for Analyzing Optoacoustic Data, Optoacoustic System and Computer Program

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a device, system, method, and computer program for non-invasively analyzing collagen concentration in biological tissues using optoacoustic (photoacoustic) imaging. By irradiating tissues with electromagnetic waves at different wavelengths, the system detects generated acoustic waves to reconstruct 2D or 3D images showing the spatial distribution of collagen and other biomarkers. These images are then quantitatively analyzed to assess parameters related to collagen concentration, which are used for diagnosing, monitoring, or treating muscle disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The system also integrates ultrasound imaging, allows user selection of regions of interest, and can merge optoacoustic and ultrasound images for enhanced diagnostics.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Diagnosis and monitoring of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and other muscle disorders by quantifying collagen deposition non-invasively.
• Assessing fibrosis in muscles, connective tissue, organs, tendons, or pathological tissues.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatments (e.g., gene therapies, corticosteroids) for muscular dystrophy by longitudinally tracking collagen changes.
• Supporting physical and occupational therapy planning by providing objective imaging biomarkers of muscle health.
• Research in muscle biology, fibrotic processes, and preclinical/clinical drug development for neuromuscular disorders.
• Potentially extends to other conditions involving tissue remodeling or fibrosis, such as liver fibrosis or scleroderma.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a non-invasive, pain-free technique to measure tissue collagen concentrations in vivo, avoiding biopsies or contrast agents.
• Enables quantitative, objective, and spatially resolved monitoring of disease progression and treatment response, including in pediatric patients.
• Reduces dependence on subjective or compliance-based clinical tests (such as the 6-minute walk test in children) for muscular disorders.
• Facilitates early diagnosis and continuous monitoring, which is vital for rare and progressive diseases like DMD.
• Combines optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging in a single device, improving anatomical localization and diagnostic accuracy.
• Can be implemented in a bedside setting and is suitable for patients of all ages, including young children.
• New spatially compounded 3D imaging approach expands the imaging field-of-view and improves image quality without additional hardware.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for analyzing optoacoustic data, an optoacoustic system for generating and analyzing optoacoustic data and a computer program. The device for analyzing optoacoustic data according to a first aspect of the invention comprises a data processing unit configured to determine a spatial distribution of at least one first value, which relates to concentration of collagen in a tissue comprising at least one of a muscle tissue, connective tissue, organ, tendon and/or pathogenic (fibrotic) tissue, based on optoacoustic data relating to acoustic waves generated in the tissuein response to irradiating the tissue with time-varying electromagnetic radiation at two or more different irradiation wavelengths, derive at least one second value from the spatial distribution of the at least one first value, the at least one second value corresponding to or being derived from at least one distribution parameter characterizing the spatial distribution of the at least one first value within a region of interest of the spatial distribution of the at least one first value, and provide the at least one second value and/or diagnostic information derived from the at least one second value for further use, in particular for displaying the at least one second value and/or diagnostic information on a display unit.