Investigation of Lipedema, Lymphedema and Vascular Malformations by Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT)

The MSOT system used consists of a laser in the visible near-infrared and far-infrared wavelength range (660nm-1300nm) and an ultrasonic sensor connected to a computer. Using optical components, the area to be measured is illuminated with ultra-short light pulses of selectable wavelength. The light is absorbed to varying degrees inside the object - depending on the properties of the tissue. The absorption of light leads to local microscopic volume fluctuations and thereby emits pressure waves in the ultrasonic range (photoacoustic effect). MSOT enables non-invasive, non-ionizing 2D imaging with high spatial resolution (80 μm), which enables specific visualization of endogenous tissue pigments such as collagen fibers, fat, melanin, oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin.