Near-Field Microwave Tomography of Biological Tissues: Future Perspectives

This overview shows the mapping of specific visualization techniques, depth assessment of the structure of the underlying tissues and used wavelengths of radiation. Medical imaging is currently one of the most dynamically developing areas of medical science. The main aim of the review is a systematization of information on the current status of the microwave imaging of biological objects, primarily of body tissues. The main options of microwave sensing of biological objects are analyzed. Two basic techniques for sensing differing evaluation parameters are characterized. They are microwave thermometry (passive) and near-field resonance imaging. The physical principles of microwave sensing application are discussed. It is shown that the resonant near-field microwave tomography allows visualization of the structure of biological tissues on the basis of the spatial distribution of their electrodynamic characteristics - permittivity and conductivity. Potential areas for this method in dermatology, including dermatooncology, are shown. The known results of applying the method to patients with dermatoses are given. The informativeness of the technology in the early diagnosis of melanoma is shown. The prospects of microwave diagnostics in combustiology, reconstructive and plastic surgery are demonstrated. Thus, microwave sensing is a modern, dynamically developing method of biophysical assessment of body tissues. There is a strong indication of the feasibility of application of microwave sensing in combustiology (in different periods of burn disease), as well as in reconstructive surgery. Further research in this and other areas of biomedicine will significantly expand the range of possibilities of modern technologies of visualization.