Photoacoustic

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a novel, non-invasive technique that visualizes tissues by detecting ultrasound waves generated through thermal expansion. Despite being in its early stages, PAI has shown significant promise in reconstructive surgery, particularly for visualizing blood and lymphatic vessels. This chapter reviews the principles of PAI and its clinical applications, including preoperative planning for flap surgeries and lymphedema treatment. PAI systems, especially PAI-05, offer detailed, three-dimensional imaging. While there are limitations in imaging depth and real-time capabilities, ongoing advancements position PAI as a valuable tool for future clinical use.