Dr. Christopher P. Favazza Profile

Dr. Christopher P. Favazza

Postdoc

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Publications (33)

Proceedings Article | 1 April 2024 Presentation + Paper

Thermometry mapping during CT-guided thermal ablations: sensitivity and clinical feasibility using spectral CT

Kuan Zhang, Andrea Ferrero, MyungHo In, Christopher Favazza

Proceedings Volume 12925, 129251R (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3008671

KEYWORDS: Temperature metrology, Ablation, Thermometry, Computed tomography, Reconstruction algorithms, X-ray computed tomography, Medical image reconstruction, Data modeling, Temperature sensors, X-rays

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In this work, we aimed to investigate the sensitivity of spectral CT to changes in temperatures. Moreover, we assessed the accuracy and precision of spectral CT to provide temperature mapping within the treatment volume in CT-guided hypo- and hyper-thermal tumor ablations. Leveraging optical temperature sensors and a 3D printed phantom holder designed to precisely position metallic thermal ablation applicators and reduce the associated image artifacts, we collected spectral CT data spanning a wide range of temperatures (-100 to +90°C) and used a robust theoretical model to fit these distributions for both conventional and spectral CT data. From these expressions, look-up tables that map temperature to CT were generated within the temperature range of interest for cryoablation and hyperthermal ablations, respectively. Consistent with expectations from theoretical models for a water-based gel material, we demonstrated similar sensitivity for conventional and spectral results, with a 3-fold increase in sensitivity in the heating temperature range compared to frozen material. Next, we used repeated scans of a multi-energy phantom to determine the imaging protocol that yield the highest precision (standard deviation of average signal through repeated measurements) in CT signal at the radiation dose levels used in our practice for treatment monitoring during thermal ablation. Our data revealed the complex interplay among radiation dose, image noise, and material decomposition accuracy for spectral data. With a 5mGy CTDIvol limit, we obtained a standard deviation of the average value within a 3³ mm³ VOI value of 0.85HU-equivalent for electron density images, corresponding to a precision of 7°C and 2°C for frozen and heated gel, respectively. Conventional image data, including with the application of an in-house CNN denoising algorithm, was unable to reduce the standard deviation of ROI measurements below 1HU. This information was used to develop a clinical-ready CT thermometry protocol that was subsequently independently tested on hyper-thermal measurements, demonstrating an accuracy (root mean square error) in temperature estimates of <8°C for heated gel.

Proceedings Article | 29 March 2024 Presentation + Paper

Metal artifact reduction for CT-guided interventional oncology procedures (MARIO): demonstration of a deep learning-based approach for metal artifact reduction for cryoablation procedures

Wenchao Cao, Andrew Missert, Ahmad Parvinian, Daniel Adamo, Brian Welch, Matthew Callstrom, Christopher Favazza

Proceedings Volume 12928, 129281I (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3006552

KEYWORDS: Metals, Ablation, Education and training, Tissues, Image processing, Computed tomography, Data modeling, Oncology, Visualization, Deep learning

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SPIE Journal Paper | 17 June 2022 Open Access

Framework of metal insertion in the projection domain for image quality optimization in interventional computed tomography

Liqiang Ren, Andrea Ferrero, Christopher Favazza

JMI, Vol. 9, Issue 03, 035001, (June 2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.9.3.035001

KEYWORDS: Metals, Computed tomography, Data modeling, Titanium, X-rays, Quantum electronics, Data acquisition, X-ray computed tomography, Algorithm development, Information operations

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Proceedings Article | 15 February 2021 Presentation + Paper

A framework of metal object insertion in the projection domain for interventional CT image quality optimization

Liqiang Ren, Andrea Ferrero, Christopher Favazza

Proceedings Volume 11598, 115981F (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2582305

KEYWORDS: Image segmentation, Computed tomography, Data modeling, Metals, Oncology, Image resolution, Image quality, Data acquisition

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Numerous advances in CT imaging have led to improved image guidance for interventional oncology procedures. However, image artifacts stemming from metal devices used during procedures have remained a persistent problem. Severe artifacts introduced by metallic treatment devices significantly degrade image quality in anatomical regions of interest and can substantially reduce the confidence of the interventional radiologist in accurate probe placement. The purpose of this work is to develop a framework to accurately simulate the presence of metal objects in CT images, which could be used for image quality assessment and development of artifact mitigation strategies. The projection domain insertion framework was developed based on an existing lesion insertion tool. New noise and beam hardening models were developed and incorporated into the insertion algorithm to better replicate the artifactual signal produced by the metal objects. These models were validated by comparing images of real and artificially inserted metallic rods with known material composition and dimensions in head and body CT phantoms. The validated model was applied to a single cryoablation probe, which was imaged with routine clinical acquisition parameters and reconstructed with three different sets of reconstruction settings to evaluate their effects on probe segmentation and eventual insertion performance. To determine the optimal digital probe model derived from CT images, the segmented probes were inserted into the projection data from a water phantom and compared to the corresponding water images with the real probe. Additional phantom studies were conducted with two probes positioned such that they were coplanar with the imaging plane, to fully evaluate the severity of the simulated metal artifacts. Finally, a comprehensive library of metallic probes used in our clinical practice during cryoablation and microwave ablation procedures was generated, and an intuitive graphical user interface was built to facilitate efficient insertion of any number of different probes at arbitrary positions in patient CT data. Results from the metallic rod experiments demonstrated that quantum noise, electronic noise, and beam hardening were properly modeled. Further, digital probe models derived from probe images from high resolution reconstructions with an extended HU scale yielded simulated image artifacts consistent with presentation of real artifacts; whereas, using probe models derived from segmentations of clinical reconstructions or high resolution reconstruction without the extended HU scale did not. Extension of the insertion model to two coplanar probes demonstrated production of realistic artifacts with similar magnitude and texture to real probes. Lastly, the model was successfully applied to patient data and generated convincing artifacts as compared to patient images with real probes.

Proceedings Article | 4 March 2019 Paper

Automatic strategy for CHO channel reduction in x-ray angiography systems

Daniel Gomez-Cardona, Shuai Leng, Christopher Favazza, Beth Schueler, Kenneth Fetterly

Proceedings Volume 10952, 1095205 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2513609

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Angiography, Mathematical modeling, Image acquisition, X-ray imaging, Image quality, Image analysis

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SPIE Journal Paper | 3 October 2017

Use of a channelized Hotelling observer to assess CT image quality and optimize dose reduction for iteratively reconstructed images

Christopher Favazza, Andrea Ferrero, Lifeng Yu, Shuai Leng, Kyle McMillan, Cynthia McCollough

JMI, Vol. 4, Issue 03, 031213, (October 2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.4.3.031213

KEYWORDS: Image quality, Scanners, 3D acquisition, Infrared imaging, 3D image processing, Computed tomography, Reconstruction algorithms, 3D image reconstruction, Spatial resolution, Diagnostics

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Proceedings Article | 9 March 2017 Presentation + Paper

Practical implementation of channelized hotelling observers: effect of ROI size

Andrea Ferrero, Christopher Favazza, Lifeng Yu, Shuai Leng, Cynthia McCollough

Proceedings Volume 10132, 101320G (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2255530

KEYWORDS: Systems modeling, Computed tomography, Medical imaging, Imaging systems, Performance modeling, Image analysis, Data modeling, Image quality, Neodymium

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SPIE Journal Paper | 26 May 2016

Impact of number of repeated scans on model observer performance for a low-contrast detection task in computed tomography

Chi Ma, Lifeng Yu, Baiyu Chen, Christopher Favazza, Shuai Leng, Cynthia McCollough

JMI, Vol. 3, Issue 02, 023504, (May 2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.3.2.023504

KEYWORDS: Computed tomography, Performance modeling, Image quality, Infrared imaging, Optical filters, Infrared radiation, Statistical modeling, Diagnostics, Image filtering, Modulation transfer functions

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Proceedings Article | 30 March 2016 Paper

Predicting detection performance with model observers: Fourier domain or spatial domain?

Baiyu Chen, Lifeng Yu, Shuai Leng, James Kofler, Christopher Favazza, Thomas Vrieze, Cynthia McCollough

Proceedings Volume 9783, 978326 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2216962

KEYWORDS: Infrared imaging, Performance modeling, Computed tomography, Reconstruction algorithms, Medical physics, Eye models, Mathematical modeling, Visual process modeling, X-ray computed tomography, Optical filters

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SPIE Journal Paper | 25 March 2015

Implementation of a channelized Hotelling observer model to assess image quality of x-ray angiography systems

Christopher Favazza, Kenneth Fetterly, Nicholas Hangiandreou, Shuai Leng, Beth Schueler

JMI, Vol. 2, Issue 01, 015503, (March 2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.2.1.015503

KEYWORDS: Distributed interactive simulations, Systems modeling, Angiography, Image quality, Sensors, Imaging systems, Signal to noise ratio, X-rays, Data modeling, Performance modeling

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Proceedings Article | 17 March 2015 Paper

Impact of number of repeated scans on model observer performance for a low-contrast detection task in CT

Chi Ma, Lifeng Yu, Baiyu Chen, Thomas Vrieze, Christopher Favazza, Shuai Leng, Cynthia McCollough

Proceedings Volume 9416, 94160K (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2082836

KEYWORDS: Computed tomography, Signal detection, Image quality, Performance modeling, Reconstruction algorithms, Matrices, CT reconstruction, Optical filters, Infrared imaging, Image analysis

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Proceedings Article | 11 March 2015 Paper

Three-dimensional photoacoustic and ultrasonic endoscopic imaging of two rabbit esophagi

Joon-Mo Yang, Christopher Favazza, Junjie Yao, Ruimin Chen, Qifa Zhou, K. Shung, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 9323, 932334 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2080294

KEYWORDS: Endoscopy, Esophagus, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, Imaging systems, 3D image processing, Ultrasonics, Ultrasonography, Blood vessels, Transducers, Endoscopes

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Proceedings Article | 19 March 2014 Paper

Development of an MRI fiducial marker prototype for automated MR-US fusion of abdominal images

C. Favazza, K. Gorny, M. Washburn, N. Hangiandreou

Proceedings Volume 9033, 90334D (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2044054

KEYWORDS: Magnetic resonance imaging, Image fusion, Image segmentation, Prototyping, Image processing algorithms and systems, Copper, Algorithm development, Ultrasonography, Image registration, Detection and tracking algorithms

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Proceedings Article | 4 March 2013 Paper

Photoacoustic endoscopic imaging of the rabbit mediastinum

Joon-Mo Yang, Christopher Favazza, Ruimin Chen, Junjie Yao, Xin Cai, Chiye Li, Konstantin Maslov, Qifa Zhou, K. Kirk Shung, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 8581, 85813V (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2004980

KEYWORDS: Endoscopy, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, Imaging systems, Endoscopes, Esophagus, Transducers, Ultrasonography, Lung, Photoacoustic imaging, In vivo imaging

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SPIE Journal Paper | 5 June 2012 Open Access

Quantitative photoacoustic microscopy of optical absorption coefficients from acoustic spectra in the optical diffusive regime

Zijian Guo, Christopher Favazza, Alejandro Garcia-Uribe, Lihong Wang

JBO, Vol. 17, Issue 06, 066011, (June 2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JBO.17.6.066011

KEYWORDS: Acoustics, Absorption, Tissue optics, Biomedical optics, Inverse optics, Blood vessels, Blood, Ultrasonics, Signal attenuation, Photoacoustic microscopy

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Proceedings Article | 23 February 2012 Paper

A 2.5-mm outer diameter photoacoustic endoscopic mini-probe based on a highly sensitive PMN-PT ultrasonic transducer

Joon-Mo Yang, Ruimin Chen, Christopher Favazza, Junjie Yao, Qifa Zhou, K. Kirk Shung, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 8223, 82233M (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.909207

KEYWORDS: Transducers, Endoscopy, Acoustics, Colon, Signal attenuation, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, Ultrasonics, Signal detection, Tissue optics, Mirrors

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Proceedings Article | 23 February 2012 Paper

Quantification of optical absorption coefficient from acoustic spectra in the optical diffusive regime using photoacoustic microscopy

Zijian Guo, Christopher Favazza, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 8223, 82234C (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.906787

KEYWORDS: Acoustics, Absorption, Tissue optics, Acquisition tracking and pointing, Ultrasonics, Inverse optics, Blood, Spatial resolution, Blood vessels, Scattering

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Proceedings Article | 23 February 2012 Paper

Functional photoacoustic microscopy of pH

M. Rameez Chatni, Junjie Yao, Amos Danielli, Christopher Favazza, Konstantin Maslov, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 8223, 82230N (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.907685

KEYWORDS: Tissue optics, Photoacoustic microscopy, Tissues, Biomedical optics, Scattering, Acoustics, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, Optical imaging, In vivo imaging, Luminescence

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Proceedings Article | 9 February 2012 Paper

Toward dual-wavelength functional photoacoustic endoscopy: laser and peripheral optical systems development

Joon-Mo Yang, Christopher Favazza, Ruimin Chen, Junjie Yao, Xin Cai, Konstantin Maslov, Qifa Zhou, K. Kirk Shung, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 8223, 822316 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.909163

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Laser systems engineering, Endoscopy, Pulsed laser operation, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, Endoscopes, Tissue optics, Colon, Dye lasers, Mirrors

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SPIE Journal Paper | 1 October 2011 Open Access

Functional photoacoustic microscopy of pH

Mohammad Chatni, Junjie Yao, Amos Danielli, Christopher Favazza, Konstantin Maslov, Lihong Wang

JBO, Vol. 16, Issue 10, 100503, (October 2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.3644495

KEYWORDS: Tissue optics, Tissues, Photoacoustic microscopy, In vivo imaging, Skin, Breast, Optical microscopy, Biomedical optics, Scattering, Image segmentation

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Proceedings Article | 1 March 2011 Paper

Optimal oblique light illumination for photoacoustic microscopy beyond the diffusion limit

Christopher Favazza, Zijian Guo, Konstantin Maslov, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 7899, 78990O (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.874903

KEYWORDS: Monte Carlo methods, Imaging systems, Diffusion, Pulsed laser operation, Photoacoustic microscopy, Photoacoustic imaging, Optical simulations, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, Laser safety, Photoacoustic tomography

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Proceedings Article | 23 February 2011 Paper

In vivo multiscale photoacoustic microscopy of human skin

Christopher Favazza, Song Hu, Victor Huang, Omar Jassim, Lynn Cornelius, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 7899, 789946 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.875969

KEYWORDS: Skin, Capillaries, Image resolution, Tissue optics, In vivo imaging, Photoacoustic microscopy, Imaging systems, Data acquisition, Image processing, 3D image processing

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Proceedings Article | 18 February 2011 Paper

Volumetric photoacoustic endoscopy of upper gastrointestinal tract: ultrasonic transducer technology development

Joon-Mo Yang, Christopher Favazza, Ruimin Chen, Konstantin Maslov, Xin Cai, Qifa Zhou, K. Kirk Shung, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 7899, 78990D (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.875377

KEYWORDS: Transducers, Endoscopy, Acoustics, Ultrasonics, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, Ultrasonography, Image resolution, Esophagus, Tissues, Endoscopes

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Proceedings Article | 18 February 2011 Paper

Quantification of optical absorption coefficients from acoustic spectra with photoacoustic tomography

Zijian Guo, Song Hu, Christopher Favazza, Todd Erpelding, Ladislav Jankovic, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 7899, 78990W (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.875015

KEYWORDS: Acoustics, Absorption, Tissue optics, Ultrasonics, Scattering, Blood vessels, Blood, Tissues, Photoacoustic tomography, Signal attenuation

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Proceedings Article | 18 February 2011 Paper

Photoacoustic microscopy of human teeth

Bin Rao, Xin Cai, Christopher Favazza, Junjie Yao, Li Li, Steven Duong, Lih-Huei Liaw, Jennifer Holtzman, Petra Wilder-Smith, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 7884, 78840U (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.874070

KEYWORDS: Teeth, Tissue optics, Signal detection, Imaging systems, Photoacoustic microscopy, Pulsed laser operation, Optical imaging, Ultrasonics, Natural surfaces, Near infrared

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SPIE Journal Paper | 1 February 2011 Open Access

In vivo functional photoacoustic microscopy of cutaneous microvasculature in human skin

Christopher Favazza, Lihong Wang, Lynn Cornelius

JBO, Vol. 16, Issue 02, 026004, (February 2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.3536522

KEYWORDS: Capillaries, Photoacoustic microscopy, In vivo imaging, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, Oxygen, Blood circulation, Skin, Spatial resolution, 3D image processing, 3D acquisition

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SPIE Journal Paper | 1 January 2011 Open Access

In vivo photoacoustic microscopy of human cutaneous microvasculature and a nevus

Christopher Favazza, Lihong Wang, Omar Jassim, Lynn Cornelius

JBO, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 016015, (January 2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.3528661

KEYWORDS: Skin, In vivo imaging, Photoacoustic microscopy, Blood vessels, Melanoma, Tumors, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, Capillaries, Signal detection, Signal generators

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Proceedings Article | 26 February 2010 Paper

Molecular photoacoustic imaging using gold nanoparticles as a contrast agent

Chulhong Kim, Eun Chul Cho, Jingyi Chen, Kwang Hyun Song, Leslie Au, Christopher Favazza, Qiang Zhang, Claire Cobley, Younan Xia, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 7564, 75641V (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.843549

KEYWORDS: Gold, Absorption, Nanoparticles, Melanoma, Photoacoustic imaging, In vivo imaging, Biomedical optics, Tumors, Tissue optics, Imaging systems

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Proceedings Article | 24 February 2010 Paper

In vivo functional human imaging using photoacoustic microscopy: response to ischemic and thermal stimuli

Christopher Favazza, Konstantin Maslov, Lynn Cornelius, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 7564, 75640Z (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.841975

KEYWORDS: Photoacoustic microscopy, Skin, Transducers, Photoacoustic imaging, In vivo imaging, Oxygen, Blood circulation, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, 3D image processing, Temperature metrology

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Proceedings Article | 23 February 2010 Paper

Invasive and transcranial photoacoustic imaging of the vascular response to brain electrical stimulation

Vassiliy Tsytsarev, Junjie Yao, Song Hu, Li Li, Christopher Favazza, Konstantin Maslov, Lihong Wang

Proceedings Volume 7564, 756407 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.840290

KEYWORDS: Brain, Neuroimaging, Photoacoustic imaging, Spatial resolution, Temporal resolution, Neurovascular coupling, Blood vessels, Photoacoustic microscopy, Line scan image sensors, Brain mapping

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