Register for free to listen to this article
Thank you. Listen to this article using the player above. ✖
Want to listen to this article for FREE?
Complete the form below to unlock access to ALL audio articles.
Conventional methods for delivering cells and therapies in animal models, such as surgical implantation or blind injections, can introduce variability, procedural complications and prolonged recovery times. These challenges often compromise reproducibility and limit the translational relevance of preclinical findings. As the demand grows for more precise, ethical and high-throughput approaches, innovative solutions are needed to streamline and enhance in vivo research.
At the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025, Revvity unveiled the VivoJect™ Image-Guided Injection System, which combines real-time ultrasound imaging with automated injection to reduce invasiveness and improve targeting accuracy.
Technology Networks spoke with Dr. Tomek Czernuszewicz, director of ultrasound imaging at Revvity, to explore how VivoJect is transforming targeted delivery in preclinical research. Czernuszewicz shared insights on the limitations of traditional techniques, the VivoJect system’s alignment with the 3Rs and how Revvity is advancing in vivo imaging through artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools.
What are the 3Rs?
The 3Rs are core principles for ethical animal use in scientific research:
- Replacement – use non-animal techniques whenever possible.
- Reduction – minimize the number of animals needed to achieve reliable results.
- Refinement – lessen pain, suffering or distress and enhance animal welfare in unavoidable studies.
Anna MacDonald (AM):
Senior Science Editor
Technology Networks
Anna is a senior science editor at Technology Networks. She holds a first-class honors degree in biological sciences from the University of East Anglia. Before joining Technology Networks she helped organize scientific conferences.
What are some of the main challenges researchers face when delivering cells and drug therapies into mice using traditional techniques? How do these limitations impact the accuracy and reliability of studies?
Director of Ultrasound Imaging
Revvity
Dr. Czernuszewicz is the director of ultrasound imaging at Revvity, where he leads the development of advanced preclinical imaging technologies. With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his expertise encompasses ultrasound-based imaging, shear wave elastography, and robotic image-guided systems.
Researchers often rely on surgical methods to precisely deliver cells and therapies to specific target sites in animal subjects. However, this approach is both time-consuming and invasive, requiring recovery periods and carrying potential adverse effects. To circumvent these challenges, some researchers opt for blind injections, which can lead to unintended injury, off-target metastasis and diminished therapeutic outcomes.
Senior Science Editor
Technology Networks
Anna is a senior science editor at Technology Networks. She holds a first-class honors degree in biological sciences from the University of East Anglia. Before joining Technology Networks she helped organize scientific conferences.
Can you give us an overview of the VivoJect image-guided injection system and how it overcomes some of these challenges?
TC:
Director of Ultrasound Imaging
Revvity
Dr. Czernuszewicz is the director of ultrasound imaging at Revvity, where he leads the development of advanced preclinical imaging technologies. With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his expertise encompasses ultrasound-based imaging, shear wave elastography, and robotic image-guided systems.
The VivoJect system employs ultrasound-guided injections, enabling researchers to visualize the target site and administer cells and therapies with real-time precision. Designed as a high-throughput, minimally invasive device, the VivoJect system streamlines the injection process while eliminating the downtime commonly associated with traditional surgical techniques.
AM:
Senior Science Editor
Technology Networks
Anna is a senior science editor at Technology Networks. She holds a first-class honors degree in biological sciences from the University of East Anglia. Before joining Technology Networks she helped organize scientific conferences.
How does the VivoJect contribute to the 3Rs in preclinical research?
TC:
Director of Ultrasound Imaging
Revvity
Dr. Czernuszewicz is the director of ultrasound imaging at Revvity, where he leads the development of advanced preclinical imaging technologies. With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his expertise encompasses ultrasound-based imaging, shear wave elastography, and robotic image-guided systems.
VivoJect advances all three Rs – replacement, reduction and refinement – by improving procedural accuracy and reducing the number of animals needed due to fewer failed injections and complications from open surgery. A minimal number of animal subjects is necessary to conduct all studies. However, as with any surgical technique, there is a risk of complications such as injection-related issues or mortality. To ensure statistically robust data that meets the study’s requirements, additional animals may be required. Furthermore, the possibility of off-target injections necessitates a larger initial cohort to account for unsuccessful procedures.
AM:
Senior Science Editor
Technology Networks
Anna is a senior science editor at Technology Networks. She holds a first-class honors degree in biological sciences from the University of East Anglia. Before joining Technology Networks she helped organize scientific conferences.
How has the system been received by the oncology research community, and are there plans to showcase its capabilities in other major industry events or collaborations?
TC:
Director of Ultrasound Imaging
Revvity
Dr. Czernuszewicz is the director of ultrasound imaging at Revvity, where he leads the development of advanced preclinical imaging technologies. With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his expertise encompasses ultrasound-based imaging, shear wave elastography, and robotic image-guided systems.
Researchers showed great enthusiasm for the device, immediately recognizing its ability to enhance the accuracy of cell and therapy delivery. They valued its automated movement, which streamlined the implantation process in animal subjects. Additionally, the minimally invasive technique aligns with humane animal handling standards, including the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee guidelines. The VivoJect system was featured at the European Molecular Imaging Meeting and is set to be showcased at the World Molecular Imaging Congress in September.
AM:
Senior Science Editor
Technology Networks
Anna is a senior science editor at Technology Networks. She holds a first-class honors degree in biological sciences from the University of East Anglia. Before joining Technology Networks she helped organize scientific conferences.
Looking ahead, what further advancements do you anticipate in in vivo imaging?
TC:
Director of Ultrasound Imaging
Revvity
Dr. Czernuszewicz is the director of ultrasound imaging at Revvity, where he leads the development of advanced preclinical imaging technologies. With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his expertise encompasses ultrasound-based imaging, shear wave elastography, and robotic image-guided systems.
Revvity is committed to transforming preclinical research through intelligent imaging solutions. Our focus is on AI software aiming to address the complex challenges researchers face when interpreting in vivo imaging data. By integrating advanced deep learning algorithms with our established imaging platforms, we're developing tools that will significantly reduce analysis time while enhancing accuracy and reproducibility.
As we advance this technology, we remain dedicated to creating intuitive solutions that augment rather than replace scientific expertise, ensuring that AI becomes a trusted partner in the researcher's toolkit.
