Development of an Integrated Photoacoustic-Guided Laser Ablation Intracardiac Theranostic System

Ablation therapies have played a pivotal role in treatment procedures ranging from tumor ablation in cancer therapies to arrythmias in atrial fibrillation treatments. The efficacy of ablation therapies heavily relies on the precise placement of the ablation device and real-time monitoring of the treatment outcome. Endoscopy and fluoroscopy are the gold standard image-guidance modalities used in clinic. However, the increased risk of cancer due to ionizing radiation in fluoroscopy procedures curbs its utility to a niche patient audience. The poor tissue visualization and distinguishing capabilities limits the efficacy of endoscopic procedures. Moreover, the lack of quantitative information about the lesion formation, which is a direct treatment-outcome marker, limits the effectiveness of treatments and induces complications in patients. To combat these limitations, an US/ PA-guided laser ablation theranostic system was developed. The developed system provides features including real-time tissue ablation, lesion monitoring and tissue distinguishing capabilities. This study focusses on the development of the theranostic system. Simulation studies were performed to develop an optimal strategy for delivering the imaging and ablation laser beams. The tissue distinguishing capability of the theranostic system will also be evaluated using ex vivo experiments and validated using staining studies.