EIT system and reconstruction algorithm adapted for skin cancer imaging

To support early diagnosis of skin cancer and minimize the risk of developing metastases, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a promising technique. EIT is a bio-medical technique for imaging the electrical conductivity distribution of a body segment. The aim of this study is to adapt an EIT system for skin cancer screening. A 3-D finite element model (FEM) of the skin was first developed. This model was used to study the electrical behavior of cutaneous layers and identify the operating frequencies to properly discriminate malignant from benign lesions. Simulated data obtained with the FEM model were used to develop image reconstruction algorithms for visualizing and discriminating skin lesions. Furthermore, according to the specifications obtained from the model, electronic circuits and a handheld probe incorporating a disposable 16-electrode array were designed and built. The system and reconstruction algorithms were validated in vitro and measurements showed great correlation with simulations.