Johtokanavamenetelmät

Johtokanavamenetelmät, or electrical impedance tomography (EIT), are non-invasive imaging techniques used to visualize the electrical conductivity distribution within a body. This method is particularly useful in medical diagnostics, as it can provide insights into the internal electrical properties of tissues and organs. EIT is based on the principle that different tissues have varying levels of electrical conductivity, which can be measured by applying a small electrical current to the body and measuring the resulting voltage distribution.

The process typically involves placing electrodes on the skin surface of the body. A small, safe electrical current is then passed through the body, and the resulting voltage differences are measured at the electrodes. This data is then used to reconstruct an image of the electrical conductivity distribution within the body. The images produced by EIT can be used to detect abnormalities in tissue conductivity, which may indicate the presence of diseases such as cancer, inflammation, or edema.

One of the key advantages of EIT is its non-invasive nature, as it does not require the use of ionizing radiation or the injection of contrast agents. This makes it a suitable option for monitoring patients over time, as it can be repeated without causing additional harm. However, EIT also has some limitations. The spatial resolution of EIT images is generally lower than that of other imaging modalities, and the interpretation of EIT results often requires expertise in both electrical engineering and medical imaging.

EIT is used in a variety of medical applications, including cardiology, where it can be used to monitor heart function and detect ischemia, and in oncology, where it can be used to guide cancer treatment and monitor response to therapy. Additionally, EIT is being explored for use in other fields, such as sports medicine and rehabilitation, to assess muscle function and detect injuries. Overall, johtokanavamenetelmät represent a promising and growing area of research in medical imaging.