Dysphagia assessment based on photoacoustic imaging: a pilot ex vivo and in vivo study in infant swine models

Swallowing impairments, such as dysphagia, pose significant health risks, including aspiration pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly. Traditional diagnostic methods like videofluoroscopy and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing have limitations, including radiation exposure and discomfort. This study explores the potential of photoacoustic imaging as a non-invasive alternative for detecting swallowing events. Utilizing a 10 mg/mL charcoal solution as a contrast agent, we conducted both ex-vivo and in-vivo experiments using pig models. The ex-vivo tests on pig cadavers validated the system’s ability in detecting charcoal flow in the airway. Subsequent in-vivo experiments on live pigs, conducted with synchronized videofluoroscopy, demonstrated photoacoustic’s potential in seeing the same structure as videofluoroscopy. Our preliminary investigation indicates that photoacoustic imaging could offer a safer, more accurate method for dysphagia assessment, particularly in pediatric settings.