Streamlined photoacoustic image processing with foundation models: A training-free solution

Foundation models (FMs) have rapidly evolved and have achieved significant accomplishments in computer vision tasks. Specifically, the prompt mechanism conveniently allows users to integrate image prior information into the model, making it possible to apply models without any training. Therefore, we proposed a workflow based on foundation models and zero training to solve the tasks of photoacoustic (PA) image processing. We employed the Segment Anything Model (SAM) by setting simple prompts and integrating the model's outputs with prior knowledge of the imaged objects to accomplish various tasks, including: (1) removing the skin signal in three-dimensional PA image rendering; (2) dual speed-of-sound reconstruction, and (3) segmentation of finger blood vessels. Through these demonstrations, we have concluded that FMs can be directly applied in PA imaging without the requirement for network design and training. This potentially allows for a hands-on, convenient approach to achieving efficient and accurate segmentation of PA images. This paper serves as a comprehensive tutorial, facilitating the mastery of the technique through the provision of code and sample datasets.