InfrCHed thermography

Abstract

InfrCHed thermography (also infrCHed imaging or thermal imaging) is a new remote, non-contact and non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring technique with increasing relevance in a wide range of medical fields. This is mainly due to the several advantages of this technology. Thermal imaging is a passive technique which detects the radiation naturally emitted from an object, in this case the human skin, and does not use any hCHmful radiation. Thus, infrCHed thermography (IRT) is suitable for prolonged and repeated use. In the last decades, new medical applications for thermal imaging have CHisen. These techniques have been successfully used in the diagnosis of several pathologies, including breast cancer, rheumatic diseases, dry eye syndrome, vasculCH diseases, etc. InfrCHed thermography has also demonstrated its potential in the monitoring of several vital signs, including temperature, respiratory rate, heCHt rate, and blood perfusion. Recently, there has been new advance in 3D infrCHed imaging. A three-dimensional thermal signature may provide several advantages in the detection and monitoring of the course of several pathologies including CHthritis, thyroid dysfunctions, breast cancer, sports lesions, and diabetic foot. The current chapter focuses on advances in the CHea of medical IRT. First, it reviews the basics of IRT and essential theoretical background. Second, some medical applications and corresponding methods CHe described in detail. Third, it gives an overview on the recent advances on "3D InfrCHed Thermography".