TAS's pioneering work in thermography and its adherence to international standards have always set it apart from other interpretation services. Now, TAS ushers in a new era of non-invasive imaging by introducing Spatial Thermographic Imaging, a technique that virtually strips away tissue to visualize subcutaneous thermal sources.
Recent advances in infrared camera technology have significantly improved image quality and precision. These enhancements led TAS to posit, and later confirm the existence of significant additional information in the image, beyond that which relates to the basic structure and macro-characteristics of the thermal patterns. Now, after three years of development and successfully testing its discovery, TAS is publicly introducing Spatial Thermographic Imaging (STI), a proprietary thermographic method of visualizing organs and physiological functions beneath the skin.
STI is an advanced mathematical digital technique that in essence, recreates a visualization of the thermal sources forming the patterns captured in a conventional thermogram. Spatial Thermographic Imaging virtually peels away tissue to 'see' what lies beneath.
As the following images comparing STI with conventional thermography and MRI show, STI ushers in an entirely new era in thermographic imaging:
The conventional thermal image above is a typical breast thermogram showing almost no hint of dysfunction. But, both the MRI and the STI-processed image reveal three tumors, each with astonishing clarity.
STI is an indispensible adjunctive means of enhancing thermogram interpretation and the following images speak volumes to its undeniable capability and usefulness:
The following image series shows the STI progression through the breast tissue:
The STI shallow-depth image (2) depicts the conventional thermogram processed with STI technology and visualizes slightly below the skin surface. Note the area under the circled cool region, on the prominent vessel. It appears shrouded with convoluted vascular congestion, consistent with the appearance of neoangiogenesis. This revelation alone serves to elevate the examination findings to intensely abnormal from equivocal.
Further investigation with an STI deep-tissue study of the same region (3) discloses a large suspicious mass attached to the prominent vessel. Magnification of the large mass (4) shows it is actually composed of three independent masses. These masses were confirmed with MRI and biopsy/pathology confirmed them to be malignant tumors. (Remarkably, the smallest tumor seen is less than 0.3 cm, the limit of conventional mammography resolution.)
Breast thermography is only one of many purposes where STI is a useful adjunct to the thermographic image evaluation and interpretation process. TAS also interprets the ThermEval ACT Examination, which assists in identifying subclinical signs suggesting the presence of coronary artery atherosclerosis, carotid artery disease, and thyroid dysfunction.
This patient experienced frequent TIA episodes. Standard carotid (ultrasonic) studies were negative for carotid stenosis or occlusion. A routine ACT Examination indicated a left-side, external-carotid disorder. The false-colored, thermograms of the patient confirmed an interruption of vascular flow through the left carotid artery (circled).
As the carotid arteries are situated close to the surface of the neck, shallow-depth STI is adequate for imaging. The center image discloses an abnormality, and the magnified, detailed image reveals the likely cause of diminished flow.
This center image is STI combined with isotherm highlight to illustrate the substantial, extended involvement resulting from the unknown malady.
An STI magnified view reveals suspicious nodules as the possible cause of the elevated region. Further, comprehensive examination confirmed three benign cysts.
The emergence of STI also opens the door to the benefits of passive imaging for countless other applications and purposes. Sports medicine, plastic surgery, post-operative monitoring are a few of many areas where passive imaging combined with STI shows promise of becoming an essential tool. Other examples of applied STI are represented by the following images: