New Imaging Method Shows Promise for Rapid, Noninvasive 3D Body Scans

Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have demonstrated a new imaging technique capable of capturing detailed, noninvasive 3D images of the human body within seconds. Their proof-of-concept study, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering and funded by the National Institutes of Health, introduces a dual-modality platform that could address several limitations of current medical imaging methods.

The technology, referred to as RUS-PAT, combines rotational ultrasound tomography (RUST) and photoacoustic tomography (PAT) to produce simultaneous volumetric images of tissue structure and blood vessels. It offers a broader field of view and rapid scan times compared to existing imaging tools, capturing images up to 10 centimeters wide in about 10 seconds without the need for ionizing radiation or strong magnetic fields.

“This platform addresses many of the critical limitations of current imaging tools, including cost, scan time, spatial resolution, and field of view,” said Dr. Charles Liu, professor of clinical neurological surgery at the Keck School and co-senior author of the study.

To demonstrate its versatility, the research team used the system to image four different regions of the body—the brain, breast, hand, and foot. Brain imaging was performed in patients with traumatic brain injury who were undergoing surgery, offering a unique opportunity to collect data in the absence of the skull, which typically distorts imaging signals.

RUST works by emitting ultrasound waves through an arc of detectors to generate 3D tissue maps, while PAT uses near-infrared laser light to excite hemoglobin molecules in blood, generating ultrasound signals that provide vascular detail. By combining the two, RUS-PAT captures both anatomical and functional data in a single scan.

“This is an exciting step forward in noninvasive diagnostics,” said Dr. Lihong Wang, co-senior author and professor at Caltech. “We've developed a method that fundamentally changes how ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging work together to achieve deeper and more comprehensive imaging.”

The researchers note that RUS-PAT could be especially valuable in brain imaging, where it may support care for conditions such as stroke or traumatic injury, as well as in breast cancer screening, diabetic foot disease, and vascular diagnostics.

“This approach has the potential to help identify at-risk limbs in diabetic patients and guide early intervention,” added Dr. Tze-Woei Tan, coauthor and director of the Limb Salvage Research Program at the Keck School.

Though promising, RUS-PAT is not yet ready for routine clinical use. Skull interference remains a challenge for brain imaging, and further technical refinements are needed to ensure consistent image quality. The research team is currently working on solutions, including adjustments to ultrasound frequency.

“This is an early but important step,” said Liu. “Our goal is to refine the technology and bring it closer to clinical application, ultimately improving care across a wide range of conditions.”