Thermal Imaging Applications in Shock Detection: Technological Advancements and Clinical Implications
Abstract
Shock is a severe medical condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to tissues and organs, resulting in cellular damage and potentially fatal organ failure if not promptly detected and treated. Common diagnostic methods often require invasive procedures, are time consuming, and do not provide immediate results. This review discusses the novel uses of thermal imaging as a fast non-invasive method for early detection and continuous monitoring of shock in medical settings. This study compares thermal imaging with traditional techniques, discusses the advances in technology that improve diagnosis using thermal imaging, and factors hindering its widespread adoption. Our findings show that sensitivity, specificity, and early warning capabilities are higher with thermal imaging especially due to sensor enhancements and integration with the recently discovered artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Nevertheless, expensive equipment costs, lack of uniform protocols as well as limited clinical evidence are still major setbacks. Subsequent investigations should concentrate on developing affordable systems and guidelines, which can be standardized universally together with comprehensive training programs for healthcare professionals. The ability of AI-driven predictive models, alongside real-time tracking devices, reveals how impactful thermography could be in detecting shocks thereby saving lives through proper patient care.