Fujifilm photoacoustic platform enhances resolution for oncology and biology

02 Jul 2025

...while Leica hybrid surgical microscope improves views of neurosurgery and reconstructive procedures.

Fujifilm VisualSonics, developer of ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging devices, has announced a new instrument intended to enhance applications in oncology, neurobiology and molecular biology.

The Vevo F2 LAZR-X20 photoacoustic imaging platform features "high-powered, intelligent laser technology for advanced tissue characterization with high anatomical accuracy for preclinical animal models," said the company.

"For more than two decades, Fujifilm VisualSonics has been delivering ultra-high frequency ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging solutions to the scientific research community," said Fujifilm's Greg Nesbitt. "We saw an opportunity to expand the scope of questions that can be answered using photoacoustics."

In particular the developer has sought to enhance the laser wavelength range available in the platform, a parameter that relates directly to the tissue types and contrast agents visualized by the instrument. A wider wavelength range of 660 to 1320 nanometers brings the spectral curves from different types of tissue chromophores within range, including collagen and lipids.

This enables researchers to visualize tumor microenvironments and opens the potential for quantifying therapeutic efficiency, noted the company.

Another clinical example could be the platform's ability to monitor liver health and the progression of fibrosis, where the spectral data can be unmixed to provide data on both collagen and lipids and show how the distribution changes over time, to match the anatomical data provided by ultrasound imaging.

"This product represents a significant advancement in our portfolio, seamlessly integrating photoacoustics with ultrasound imaging into a single platform," said Andrew Needles of Fujifilm VisualSonics. "We believe this breakthrough technology will not only enhance current research capabilities but also has the potential to unlock new applications, particularly in the fields of oncology and neurobiology."

Leica blends 3D visualization technologies and digital data integration

Leica Microsystems has added the ARveo 8x hybrid surgical microscope for neurosurgery, spine, and plastic reconstructive procedures to its microscopy range.

The platform "blends high-quality Leica optics with 3D visualization technologies and digital data integration capabilities," noted the company. "With advanced illumination for tissue protection and cutting-edge fluorescence imaging solutions, ARveo 8x gives surgeons clear, detailed views during complex surgeries."

The optics of the ARveo 8x include the company's FusionOptics approach to 3D perception for surgeons, making use of the two separate beam paths of a stereo microscope, one beam for each eye.

One beam path provides depth of field, said Leica, while the other provides high resolution, and the human brain merges the two different images into a single, optimal 3D image.

Leica intends the FusionOptics approach for use not only in surgical applications but also in inspection or quality control for the electronics, automotive, aerospace, or medical device industries, offering advantages that are not attainable with conventional stereo microscopy.

"The hybrid system of the ARveo 8x surgical microscope empowers surgeons to have freedom and flexibility to perform precise surgeries in a comfortable setting," said Aysar Ziyadeh, Vice President, Medical Business Unit, Leica Microsystems.