Modeling and simulation of intravascular photoacoustic images

A model for simulating two-dimension (2D) intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) images is proposed to provide image data sets for developing algorithms of image reconstruction and post-processing and training clinical physicians. The multi-layered luminal cross-sections are firstly modeled. Then, the process of light propagation in multi-layered tissues, generation of photoacoustic signals, and reconstruction of gray-scale images are simulated obtaining 2D grayscale IVPA images. The sequential IVPA images are also simulated based on the pulsatile dynamics of coronary arteries during the cardiac cycles. There are few differences between simulated images and electromagnetic absorption profiles. The model had a clear physical meaning, and could simulate IVPA images with stable quality.