Optoacoustic component utilization tracking

A serialized probe component for an optoacoustic device,

• the optoacoustic device including:
• i. unique identifier associated with the optoacoustic device;
• ii. light generator adapted to create pulses of light, at least one light pulse having a first predominant wavelength and at least one other light pulse having a second predominant wavelength, each pulse of light being sufficient to generate an optoacoustic response in a subject,
• iii. light output port for outputting at least a portion of the light pulses,
• iv. light output port connector, the port connector adapted to operatively connect with a waveguide capable of directing the light pulses to a subject, and
• v. multi-pin connector adapted to receive a plurality of electrical signals produced by a transducer array and reflective of an optoacoustic response in a subject,
• vi. image processing system for producing an image based upon electrical signals produced by a transducer,
• vii. software for operating the optoacoustic device, the software for operating the optoacoustic device associated with version information;
• viii. switch for operation of the optoacoustic device, and
• the serialized probe component comprising:
• a. a plurality of optical fibers comprising a first light path, the plurality of optical fibers having a first end formed into at least one fiber bundle providing an input adapted for connection with the light output port connector, and having a second end formed from the distal end of at least some of the plurality of fibers;
• b. light bar guide retaining the distal end of the at least some of the plurality of optical fibers on the same plane;
• c. optical window associated with, and spaced from, the light bar guide;
• d. acoustic lens having an inner surface and an outer surface;
• e. ultrasound transducer array having an active end, the array comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements, the ultrasound transducer array having the inner surface of the acoustic lens at its active end;
• f. a plurality of electrical paths, each such electrical path running from each ultrasound transducer element in the ultrasound transducer array to a probe component connector adapted to interconnect with the multi-pin connector;
• g. read-write memory for storing data concerning utilization of the serialized probe component;
• h. a handheld probe shell, the shell housing the light bar guide and the ultrasound transducer array, and housing the acoustic lens between the first and second optical windows at the distal end of the probe;
• i. software adapted to generate and store logs concerning utilization of the serialized probe component on the read-write memory.