A novel non-invasive electrical impedance skin scanner for early diagnosis medical decision support in clinical dermatology (Dermasense)

Abstract

We present data from the development and initial testing of a novel portable dermatological scanner which offers non-invasive data acquisition from multiple dry electrodes placed on the patient’s skin. Such objective, fast and easy to obtain diagnostic data are currently not available during the patient’s first visit to the point of care. Once additional clinical research is performed to validate the output data of such a tool, associating it to medical diagnosis statistics (biopsy- verified data), it could enrich the information available to Dermatologists early in the diagnostic process. The interpretation of such objective measurement data may be particularly valuable in cases of suspicious angiogenesis which could be an early indication of malignancy. The scanner is based on electrical impedance tomography, a promising non-invasive, radiation- free and portable imaging technique. It is designed for clinical and outdoor operation and the associated translational software does not require specialized training for the operator. Initial testing results of the device are promising, suggesting it can specifically distinguish between the presence and absence of a nevus in the area of skin being scanned. Further testing is planned involving the detection of neoplasia, particularly early stage melanoma.