Medical imaging is vital for diagnosing diseases and guiding surgical procedures, but current technologies have limitations that can compromise accuracy and equity. With support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including its Trailblazer Award, Muyinatu ‘Bisi’ Bell is pioneering advancements in imaging to overcome these challenges. Her groundbreaking work enhances image quality, reduces surgical risk, and ensures reliable imaging for patients of all skin tones and body sizes.
Over the past decade, Bell, an associate professor in the Whiting School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and director of the PULSE lab, has worked to refine photoacoustic imaging—a technique that combines ultrasound and laser-induced sound waves to generate high-resolution images of biological tissues. Unlike traditional ultrasound or X-ray imaging, photoacoustic imaging provides detailed, real-time information about blood flow, oxygenation, and tissue composition without needing radiation or contrast agents. These capabilities make it an invaluable tool for surgeons and radiologists seeking to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
A key focus of Bell’s research is ensuring that photoacoustic imaging systems work across various patient populations so that everyone—regardless of skin color or body size—has access to accurate early diagnosis of a range of diseases. Conventional imaging techniques struggle to provide clear and accurate results for those with darker skin tones or larger body types due to variations in how light and sound waves interact with different tissues. Bell pioneered the development of the world’s first short-lag spatial coherence (SLSC) beamformer for ultrasound data, revolutionizing imaging clarity and delivering consistent, high-quality results regardless of a patient’s skin pigmentation or body composition. This advancement is a crucial step toward ensuring that all patients have access to accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
“I aim to ensure that medical imaging technology serves all patients equally,” Bell said. “By developing more precise imaging tools, we are doing more than advancing technology—we are changing how quality health care is delivered. NIH support has been immensely foundational toward enabling us to develop new solutions that work for everyone.”
Beyond improving diagnostic accuracy, Bell’s innovations are also reshaping surgical procedures. She pioneered the integration of photoacoustic imaging into the da Vinci surgical robot, making complex procedures safer by providing surgeons with a clearer picture of blood vessels, metal implants, and other structures during procedures.
“Surgeons rely heavily on imaging to navigate complex anatomical structures and avoid critical blood vessels and nerves,” she said. “My work enhances intraoperative imaging, allowing surgeons to see in real-time changes in tissue with real precision. This reduces the risk of complications, shortens recovery times, and improves overall patient outcomes.”
Bell is also leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to expand the potential of medical imaging. AI-powered algorithms can analyze vast amounts of imaging data to detect patterns and anomalies that may be invisible to the human eye. One application of this approach is using AI-enhanced imaging to detect COVID-19 in lung scans, helping doctors diagnose and monitor patients with greater speed and accuracy.
“We developed this automated detection tool to help doctors in emergency settings with high caseloads of patients who need to be diagnosed quickly and accurately, such as in the earlier stages of the pandemic,” said Bell. “Potentially, we want to have small wireless devices that patients can wear at home to monitor the progression of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.”
This technology could also be adapted into wearable patches for patients with conditions like pneumonia, allowing them to track fluid buildup in their lungs. By providing real-time monitoring, these devices could help doctors and patients manage treatment more effectively and adjust medications as needed.