Multi-lens ultrasound arrays enable large scale three-dimensional micro-vascularization characterization over whole organs.

Abstract

Mapping microcirculation at the whole-organ scale in 3D is crucial for understanding vascular pathologies and improving diagnostics. Although 3D ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) enables microscopic resolution by localizing intravenously injected microbubbles in small animal models, visualizing entire organs in large animals or humans remains challenging due to limited field of view, low sensitivity, and probe technological complexity. Here, we demonstrate how a multi-lens array method overcomes these limitations. Combined with 3D ULM, it maps and quantifies large vascular volumes (up to 120 × 100 × 82 mm³) at high spatial resolution (125-200 µm) with a volumetric acquisition rate of 312 Hz, using low-cost technology. This approach enables deeper insights into hemodynamics from large vessels to pre-capillary arterioles, by providing vast and rich datasets of whole-organ vascularization. It could also facilitate diagnosis of microcirculation disorders and monitoring of small-vessel disease treatments by addressing key limitations of current imaging modalities.