[Thoracic electrical impedance tomography: Technical aspects and clinical applications]

Area of Science:

• Physiological Measurement
• Medical Imaging

Context:

• Thoracic Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a functional respiratory imaging technique.
• Technological advancements have increased its clinical relevance.
• EIT offers real-time, radiation-free functional information at the bedside.

Purpose:

• To review the principles, data collection, and clinical applications of EIT.
• To raise physician awareness of this emerging respiratory monitoring technology.
• To explore EIT's utility both within and outside critical care settings.

Summary:

• EIT monitors pulmonary ventilation and perfusion.
• It aids in assessing therapeutic interventions and detecting complications like pneumothorax.
• Its application is expanding to diagnose and manage chronic pulmonary disorders.

Impact:

• EIT provides a valuable tool for bedside respiratory monitoring.
• It facilitates improved patient management in critical care and chronic lung diseases.
• The review aims to stimulate new clinical management and research perspectives using EIT.