© edp srl, 2004 angiology. © edp srl, 2004 angiology infrared thermography is a very good method...

MEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHYMEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHYMEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHYMEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY

© EDP Srl, 2004http://www.edpsrl.com

ANGIOLOGYANGIOLOGY



AngiologyAngiology

Infrared thermography is a very good method in angiology. its main applications are:

- diagnostics and control of varicose veins;

- dynamic control and evaluation of circulation in the case of atherosclerosis of the large vessels;

Infrared thermography is a very suitable method, because it’s fast, reliable, non-contact and absolutely safe for patient and doctor. Infrared thermography has no limitations and may be successfully applied in babies, children and pregnant women.



Infrared thermography is a very suitable and reliable method for the diagnostics of varicose veins. In the case of varicosity, the affected vein is hot on the thermogram. The structure of the vein on the thermogram may be homogenous or non-homogenous.

Varicose veinsVaricose veins

External surface of the left leg.Front surface of the legs. External surface of the left leg.


The temperature gradient above the affected vein is about 1°C, but goes up to 2°C or more in the case of inflammation and thrombophlebitis.



Front surface of the legs. Internal surface of the left leg. Back surface of the legs.




To detect the affected veins more precisely, often a special post-processing of thermograms is performed. The most used function is the displaying of the thermogram in different palettes.

Thermogram of the back surface of the legs in 4 different palettes: Standard, Rainbow, Positive and Negative.

Standard palette Rainbow palette

Positive palette Negative palette




For this purpose a special high-brightness “Rainbow” palette has been developed. Displaying the thermogram in this palette, the structure of the hyperthermic area can be very precisely seen and the location of the affected valves can be detected.




Detection of the affected communicant veins is very important for surgeon, because it allows defying the operation principle before surgical intervention.




Another post-processing function for the best visualization of affected veins is the “Isotherm”. This function changes the color in the areas with equal temperature. It allows seeing the most affected parts of the vein and detecting the focus of thrombophlebitis.




Infrared thermography can detect early, pre-clinical stages of varicose diseases, when the affected vein has not yet showed any visual change. Since this method is safe and non-contact, it may be used for screening procedures.

Internal surface of the right leg. Short-distance photo: no visible changes.

Thermogram shows hyperthermia above the affected communicant veins.




Using thermography, it’s possible to evaluate the circulation into the affected leg. In the case of poor venous circulation, the area below the thrombosis appears warm. In this case, surgical removing the affected veins might cause severe complications, such as lymphostasis.

The distal part of the right leg is warm because of the venous stasis. Surgical operation is contra-indicated.



Atherosclerosis of the Large VesselsAtherosclerosis of the Large Vessels

Thermography can detect signs of poor circulation through the large vessels, located below the skin. In these cases the affected artery appears cold.

Atherosclerosis of the left carotid artery.

Atherosclerosis of the left temporal artery.

© edp srl, 2004 angiology. © edp srl, 2004 angiology infrared thermography is a very good method...

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