Interesting post from RB:
By: DerHamlet $
Reply To: None Friday, 12 Jan 2001 at 1:54 PM EST
Post #85915 of 85966
Comments on CTI technology
Computerized Thermal Imaging's (CTI) thermal imaging camera, from all accounts (i.e. by the photo on their webpage), appears to be the Bales Scientific unit. This was originally produced at approximately the same time as our company's first generation Teletherm camera in 1987. The picture of the CTI system looks the same as it did back then. Personally, I have seen little advancement in the image quality with the Bales camera since that time, and would like to read more about the specifications for the current version of the camera (this seems to be unavailable).
As our current generation Teletherm imager provides high sensitivity (.05 C), excellent spatial resolution, radiometric digital performance for under $20,000 (US), and have maintained FDA clearance since 1987, we pose a competitive threat to the CTI product, even though we're a private company.
The only apparent enhancement that seems to be made with the CTI system (from reading their literature) is the processing of images for reading/interpretation through computer software, and the setup of an elaborate positioning protocol. This could be of significant use, but would pose questions of liability if the system is relied upon for an automatic reading, especially without a physician review of the images. A great deal of image data and unbiased research from sites all around the world would need to be gathered, and an extensive amount of software development has to make it reliable enough as a reading system. CTI seems to have only a few research sites involved. To be credible, scientifically, the company should be at arms length, and not involved in payment to researchers or with the provision of free equipment.
Furthermore, if there is too much technical interference with the capture of the thermal image, this poses a medico-legal question in legal cases submitting this test as part of the evidence. Therefore, the use of positioning beds serves to complicate the thermal imaging process and may interfere with the integrity of the image (i.e. something is making contact with the subject). More should be explained on CTI's website about the actual procedure and technical elements of the test along with the specifications for the equipment being used to take the test. This would help to substantiate claims of technology advancement.
It is a bit disappointing that CTI is not pursuing a higher level of FDA clearance than what has already been established by Teletherm, which provides for thermal imaging as an adjunctive device.
The Health Application of Thermal Imaging
With regard to Infrared Thermal Imaging, generally, it is a valid, scientific tool and is being used at an increasing rate throughout the world in a variety of applications from biological to industrial. The issue for the medical world is to do with interpretation of the data, understanding the technique, and determining its role in the diagnostic process.
Mammography is not solely diagnostic, nor is ultrasound, but if combined with thermal imaging which is a physiological test, and other evaluations of the patient, early detection of health problems could possibly be determined. To date, the thermogram is not a replacement for mammography. It is an adjunctive test. It is an ideal tool to appraise the patient condition more critically when other tests appear inconclusive. Images can be taken over a successive time period to safely and comfortably monitor changes in the condition.
Most detractors of the thermogram have never attended scientific meetings on the subject, read all the literature, conducted the tests themselves, or kept pace with the advancements in technology. Unfortunately, a lot of emphasis has been placed upon reimbursement issues rather than understanding the science and its benefit to the patient population. The thermogram may actually serve to help reduce unnecessary procedures and tests by providing the missing clue or thermal perspective in the diagnostic process, especially with difficult cases and undiagnosed pain syndromes. A thermal view is fundamental medicine dating back to Hippocrates. Therefore, why shouldn't it be used as a part of the diagnostic arsenal?
Clearly, thermal imaging has well credentialed researchers in medicine conducting excellent studies throughout the world. Contact the American Academy of Thermology and the International Academy of Thermology as well as the IEEE (Institute of Electrical Electronic Engineers) and SPIE (International Society for Optical Engineers) to learn more (see thermology.com. Also look on Medline and search under "thermography." Note that the use of the term thermography is technically not correct for the current state of the art, due to the fact that it also refers to a printing technique. However, it has been referred to as thermography by the health field due to the early days of using liquid crystal contact plates. It should really be termed as "Telethermography" as there is no contact with the subject (tele). Infrared thermal imaging is a better description of the test.
Due to its noninvasive nature and absence of patient risk, thermal imaging should be used as a complement to the physical examination and as a monitoring tool to evaluate the effectiveness of therapies and treatments. Therefore, the capital cost of the equipment should be low, and made available to all physicians, rather than centralized in large institutions, driving up the cost to the consumer. The physician cost to perform this test is less than 10 cents per image with a Teletherm camera, accounting for capital equipment and technician. This is due to the low cost of operation, and affordability of the equipment.
Final Comments on CTI
I do hope that CTI is truly dedicated with its venture into this field and that the launch of their company onto the NASDAQ is a credible one. I have been observing the bulletin board for the past year, and was originally impressed by TRW's commitment of funds to the technology. The current postings on the bulletin board do seem to express concern about the true direction of the company's directors. Hopefully, it is for the best advancement of thermal imaging technology.
There aren't a lot of thermograms posted on CTI's website. Therefore, in order to see some high quality thermograms for comparison and get a feel for the types of images that can be taken, please go to: thermology.com
Sincerely,
G.J. Rockley
Director of Operations
Teletherm infrared
thermology.com |
