Radiometric method for assessing the depth of thermal injuries

Abstract

This study indicates the need for early diagnosis of the depth of thermal injuries. It was noted that burning injuries account for more than 10% of the total occurrences of injuries. Such statistics indicate the relevance of the use of standard operating procedures for assessing thermal injuries. The analysis of existing standard operating procedures for assessing the depth of thermal injuries has been conducted. The analysis results indicate that at present laser and ultrasonic flowmetry, radiographic and thermographic methods are the most widely used methods for assessing the depth of thermal injuries. Laser and ultrasonic flowmetry methods are based on the study of microcirculation of blood in body tissues. The use of laser radiation sources ensures the differentiation of healthy and damaged tissues at a depth of several millimeters. Complexity and its absence in diagnostic and surgical centers is the main problem of using such equipment. In addition, surface lesions of the skin cover leads to significant errors. The ultrasonic range allows one to increase the depth of diagnosis. However, the equipment used presupposes providing mechanical contact with the affected tissue, which is not always possible. Radiographic methods make it possible to evaluate the depth of thermal damage to biological tissues with high accuracy. Their widespread use for practical diagnosis of burn depth limits the cost of equipment. Besides that, such methods are unsafe for humans. The use of thermographic methods in studying the surface of a burning lesion is very promising. They make it possible to visualize the condition of tissues, do not require the use of radiation, which is harmful to the body, dyes and contrast agents. Their main disadvantage is a strong influence on the result of the condition of surface tissues. The results of the analysis indicated that in the domestic and foreign literature there is no information on the use of specialized measuring systems in the diagnosis of burning injuries. This predetermines the urgent need of creating such equipment. Main objective of research – to develop new methods and instruments that allow such an assessment to be performed non-invasively and notouch during the early stages. This study contains the substantiation of the possibility of using its own microwave electromagnetic radiation for assessing the depth of thermal injuries. A scheme, which allows such measurements to be made, is suggested. An algorithm for its operation is described.