Title:Improved Approach to Electrical Impedance Tomography through Pseudo-Absolute Imaging Method
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
Author(s): David Krcmarik*, Michal Petru and Ivan Masin
Affiliation:
- Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation, Technical University of Liberec, Studentska 2, 461 17, Liberec 1,Czech Republic
Keywords:
EIDORS, electrical impedance tomography, health care, Labview, Netgen, real-time monitoring.
Abstract: Background: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an imaging modality which is
getting more attention these days. The main advantages are real time images, small cost, small size
and non-ionizing operation. On the other hand, the biggest drawbacks are blurred images obtained
and time consuming implementation.
Objective: This paper introduces challenges and possible remedies when the electrical impedance
tomography (EIT) is applied to a real patient. EIT is a promising method for patient real-time
monitoring of thorax.
Method: The application of electrodes is time consuming and very sensitive to proper positioning.
We propose a method to improve such drawbacks. It enables a pseudo-absolute monitoring, which is
superior to classic differential monitoring through the use of VERA device (variable electrical ring
analyzer).
Results: This superiority has several aspects. The most important is that physician can see whole
lungs and possible other features whereas traditional method is capable of monitoring only
differences between the inhalation and exhalation of air. Moreover it is possible to see also
anomalities which do not change between the course of breathing - possible cancer detection. Other
advantages are faster implementation on patient body, which is currently a huge drawback of
traditional EIT electrodes positioning and inherent more reliable obtained images since the proposed
construction is a well defined object with certain static dimensions. Another advantage comes from
the fact that most of the measurement anomalities are near the measuring electrodes and since the
electrodes are not in direct contact with a patient body, the anomalities do not appear in the image of
human cross section.
Conclusion: The proposed method is a viable imaging modality which can be used for imaging
predominantly lungs providing better insight into what is happening in real time. We hope that such
device can contribute to widespread of EIT, which can be more pleasant to patients than traditional
computed tomography or magnetic resonance and, at the same time, provide medicals with all
necessary information.