title: Noninvasive thermographic visualization of the extent of carotid plaque distribution during carotid endarterectomy using an uncooled infrared camera.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intraoperative thermographic confirmation of the extent of carotid plaque distribution using an uncooled infrared camera was assessed during carotid endarterectomy (CEA).
  
  
  METHODS
  This camera was small, light, and provided high temperature resolution (<0.022 degrees), thus allowing detection of the changes in thermal radiation induced by surface temperature differences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vascular flow of the artery appeared as a light color, and absence of flow as a dark color. Vascular re-flow was recognized as a bright color. Therefore, vascular flow could be evaluated using the uncooled infrared camera during CEA. The uncooled infrared camera offers real-time information on vascular patency and extent of plaque. Spatial resolution and image quality are satisfactory, and the procedure can be repeated easily and safely.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have shown that the uncooled infrared camera could be a new and feasible technology for intraoperative imaging of the vascular flow, and isconsidered to be clinically useful during CEA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan.
authors.forename: Naoki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Otani
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Engineering, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan.
authors.forename: Miya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ishihara
authors.affiliation: Division of Environmental Medicine, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan.
authors.forename: Masanori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fujita
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan.
authors.forename: Kojiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wada
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan.
authors.forename: Kentaro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mori
keywords: Carotid endarterectomy; intraoperative angiography; vascular flow