SKYQUANT 3D: Quantifying Vascular Anatomy With an Open-Source Workflow for Comprehensive Analysis of Volumetric Optoacoustic Angiography Data

Abstract

Efficient visualization of the vascular system is of key importance in biomedical research into tumor angiogenesis, cerebrovascular alterations, and other angiopathies. Optoacoustic (OA) angiography offers a promising solution combining molecular optical contrast with high resolution and deep penetration of ultrasound. However, its hybrid nature implies complex data collection and processing workflows, with significant variability in methodologies across developers and users. To streamline interoperability, we introduce SKYQUANT 3D, a Python-based set of instructions for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Amira/Avizo 3D Visualization & Analysis Software. Our workflow simplifies the batch processing of volumetric optoacoustic angiography images, extracting meaningful quantitative information while also providing statistical analysis and graphical representation of the results. Quantification performance of SKYQUANT 3D is demonstrated using functional preclinical and clinical in vivo 3D OA angiographic tests involving ambient temperature variations and repositioning of the imaged limb.