Real-time thermoacoustic imaging for breast tumor biomarker biopsy navigation basing on a semi-ring ultrasonic transducer.

The article focuses on the development and evaluation of a real-time microwave-pumped thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) system for guiding breast tumor biopsy. This system employs a 128-element semi-ring ultrasonic transducer and a 3 GHz microwave pulse generator to achieve high-resolution imaging (approximately 870 μm) at a speed of about 25 frames per second, enabling visualization of tumors up to 6 cm deep in tissue. The technique offers advantages over traditional imaging modalities by combining deep tissue penetration, high spatial resolution, and non-ionizing radiation, making it a promising tool for precise biomarker biopsy navigation in breast cancer intervention. Experimental results demonstrated clear differentiation of tumor, surrounding tissue, and biopsy needle in real time, though further improvements such as three-dimensional imaging and enhanced resolution are suggested for clinical application.