How to use thermal imaging in venous insufficiency?

Abstract

This paper is intended to provide studies performed on usefulness of thermal imaging for the insufficiency of superficial veins in the lower limbs. The results are a continuation of the previous research and show a new way of analysis and better correlation between standard methods of parameters like duplex ultrasonography and parameters derived from thermal imaging. In particular promised seems to be using the mean whole limb temperature of healthy volunteers at a proper age as a threshold to count the isotherm area, and in isotherm analysis should be taken for the whole lower limb—the sum of thermal images from anterior and posterior views (Method II). The study was performed by the use of a Thermovision E60 camera by Flir Systems. All studies (duplex ultrasonography as well as thermal imaging) were performed in a research room with a stabilized temperature on two groups of patients, a group of healthy people and patients suffering from chronic venous disease. During the study, the correlation parameters were obtained with ultrasound and thermal parameters. The results showed that temperature changes observed in the lower extremities of the thermal skin map are associated with a healthy state of blood supply which might be connected with blood stasis, inflammatory states and swelling that occurs in the soft tissues. We found the mean and higher correlations between thermal and ultrasound parameters, for example, a good positive correlation (r = 0.63) between the thermal range to the total limb length radio and the range of reflux was obtained. The correlation between thermal imaging parameters and duplex ultrasound parameters may show that thermovision is an extremely promising method, and it can be useful in the screening of diagnosis of superficial vein insufficiency.