145 Structured Light Plethysmography, A Non Invasive, Non Contact Method of Recording Respiratory Function

Abstract

Structured light plethysmography (SLP) technology utilises pc gaming/movie techniques to scan a patient with visible light, capture an image, measure movement in the image and produce accurate, real time data on changes in respiration. A checker board pattern of light is projected from a light projector onto the chest of an individual. Movements of the grid are viewed by two digital cameras, digitalised, and processed to form a 3D model and can be interrogated to assess lung function. The system has been tested in normal adults and children, adults with COPD, and children with cystic fibrosis. Most recently it has been used to measure respiratory patterns in healthy infants, within 24 hours of birth, those born prematurely with and without chronic lung disease (CLD). The infants are not sedated, but simply placed, bare chested, within the field of vision of the Thora3DI (Pneumacare TM, Cambridge UK). There is no physical contact with the infant. This has not just one, but repeated data collection over short periods of time, on oxygen dependent infants with severe CLD, without changes in oxygen requirement or periods of clinical instability. Information on respiratory rate, tidal volume and the relationship between chest and abdominal volume change have been assessed, and will be included in this presentation. Dr. Richard Iles is a Consultant in Respiratory Paediatrics, and founder and shareholder of PneumaCare Ltd, the Company that produces the Thora3DI.