The concept of imaging heat patterns radiating from the human breast (thermal imaging) as it develops cancer has been around for a long time now. Spanning a period of several decades since the 60s, we have available a plethora of clinical information on this breast cancer screening modality, its advantages and shortcomings. Due to strict test requirements (acclimation, inconsistent environment and motion driven artifacts) and lack of necessary technological advancements (digital thermal cameras, computerization, CAD software) it was never possible to gauge the benefits and effectiveness of breast thermography.

One can say that the concept was ahead of its time.

The global burden of breast cancer has risen to unimaginable proportions, giving us an opportunity to reconsider a novel approach to thermal imaging (NoTouch BreastScan™) to maximize its clinical potential and to minimize its shortfalls from the past.

NoTouch BreastScan makes the following possibilities come to life:

• A CAD (Computer Aided Diagnoses) report is generated by the computer, which captures multiple images and applies a proprietary algorithm for a ‘pixel-by-pixel’ analysis of the breasts. No requirement for manual interpretation of thermal images.
• Topographical representation of Thermal Reluctance (areas significantly warmer than surrounding area) Vascularity (Areas significantly warmer than their bilateral counterparts) & Hot Zones (areas significantly warmer than the overall breast), which quantitatively and qualitatively represent the nature of suspicious heat patterns and plots the exact shape and size of these areas of interest, individually within each breast. This feature enables the physician to monitor the breast health precisely for minute changes over time.
• Ability to visually and numerically manage an increase in smallest breast irregularities over time (with multiple exams) and assist the use of CBE, US, Mammograms and MRI by qualifying ‘areas of interest’.
• Use of dual thermal cameras, individually dedicated for each breast to eliminate the use of mirrors and mechanical moving parts. More importantly, this configuration allows for an independent thermal analysis of each breast and comparative analysis between the two breasts. The cameras are positioned within 1-2 feet from the woman’s breast.
• Incorporation of a wide-arc shaped air-plenum, which allows for even cooling of both breasts without chair adjustments. The air-plenum works virtually with women of all size and shapes and enables ease of use.
• Computerized auto-focusing feature does not require sophisticated manual adjustment by the operator and ensures the highest quality of exam without consuming time.

We have overcome the most common shortfalls of old Thermal Imaging techniques:

• Improved detector sensitivity (higher wavelengths).
• Auto-calibration and reduced thermal-drift.
• Computerized digital interface.
• State-of-the-art, digital IR cameras.
• Software assisted image analysis and reporting.
• Easy to use, reduced operator errors, auto-motion detection.

We have also overcome the most common shortfalls of recent Thermal Imaging techniques:

• Computerized data collection and interpretation of digital thermal images, low cost 'per-use'.
• No requirement for long acclimation period. Employs dynamic image series.
• Software based features look for minute changes over time, over multiple scans.
• Constant ‘environment’ between scans.
• Multi-modality approach with the use of new technologies and tools.
• Focused on pursuing new clinical studies and seeking a global consensus by working with pioneering physicians, renowned breast surgeons and gynecologists.