An infrared thermal imaging camera can identify a subclinical postoperative surgical site infection.
Infrared thermal imaging can help:
(1) to localize an infection
(2) to confirm a clinical suspicion when the clinical findings are limited
(3) to help to distinguish infection from other causes of elevated inflammatory markers
Advantages:
(1) noninvasive
(2) repeatable
(3) relatively inexpensive
Limitations:
(1) more superficial location
(2) does not distinguish sterile from nonsterile inflammation
Examples of use:
(1) orthopedic surgery
(2) Nuss repair of pectus excavatum
(3) subcutaneous implants (pacemaker, defibrillator, tissue expander, other)
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
ICD-10: ,