Infrared Imaging in Medicine
Infrared Imaging forms an image using Infrared radiation and operates in wavelengths as long as 14,000 nm (14 µm). This kind of image formation has been a very successful diagnostic tool in the field of medicine. The entry of infrared imaging has led to reduction of more invasive procedures for diagnosis. This has been a boon to both patients and doctors in diagnosing diseases well in advance.
The principle on which Infrared Imaging works is very simple. As the temperature increases, the amount of radiation emitted by an object increases. This imaging helps us to see the variations in temperature. Warm areas appear prominent against cooler backgrounds. Generally, any disease in human body is accompanied by inflammation which is actually the protective mechanism of the body. During inflammation vascular increases in the affected area and this in turn leads to increase in temperature. The increased temperature is utilized by Infrared Imaging for identifying the disturbance in the normal physiological process.
The Digital Infrared camera produces high-resolution thermal images that are very essential for diagnosis. The medical fields in which Infrared Imaging is used are:
- Oncology- Deals with cancerous lesions. The cancerous and pre cancerous lesions show an increase in vascularity and temperature in the affected area. The Digital Infrared camera helps in providing high resolution images that help in very early diagnosis of cancer. This diagnostic tool has been very useful in identifying breast cancers much earlier where, even mammograms have failed.
- Vascular disorders- Deals with bleeding disorders. The Digital Infrared camera captures any deviation from the normal within a blood vessel. Hemorrhages and clots within blood vessels can be identified by these Infrared cameras.
- Respiratory disorders- Deals with breathing disorders. The Digital Infrared camera helps in finding out the physiological changes within the respiratory organs.
- Skeletal and neuromuscular diseases- Deals with bones, nerves, and muscle disorders. Even the smallest of hairline cracks within a bone can be captured by Digital Infrared camera because of its very high resolution. Similarly Infrared cameras play a major role in identifying neuromuscular diseases.
- Surgery- Deals with invasive procedures done in order to treat a patient. Infrared cameras give a helping hand to the surgeons when they are performing micro surgeries.
- Tissue viability- Deals with the vitality of tissues. Infrared cameras help in detecting the vitality by ensuring adequate blood supply to the tissues.
Correct and early diagnosis of diseases helps in early and perfect treatment. Infrared Imaging helps a practitioner in curbing a disease in its early stage and also helps in preventing the spread of the same to other parts of the body and to the lymph nodes. To take maximum advantage from Infrared Imaging we must be aware that it is safe and accurate. It involves no radiation or invasive procedures. It can diagnose diseases earlier than other diagnostic tools.
by Jessy David
References:
Tirza Derflinger, The Thermogram Center and Dr. Robert Kane, International Academy of Clinical Thermology. "THERMAL IMAGING FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS". http://www.medicalir.com
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