Updated consensus terminology and definitions in chest electrical impedance tomography

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Functional chest imaging using Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) has seen significant technological growth.
• EIT applications are expanding beyond intensive care units to operating theatres, pulmonary function labs, and remote settings.
• Current EIT use focuses on ventilation, aeration, and respiratory mechanics, with growing interest in lung perfusion and cardiac imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a consensus on EIT terminology and definitions for standardized research and clinical practice.
• To update and extend the 2017 EIT terminology consensus.
• To introduce a new taxonomy for EIT measures based on signal quantification.

Main Methods:

• Development of a comprehensive consensus document by EIT experts from the TREND group.
• Collaboration with EIT technology producers.
• Systematic classification of EIT measures based on ventilation, heartbeat, and contrast-enhanced signals.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive consensus document on EIT terminology and definitions.
• An updated and extended version of the previous 2017 consensus.
• A new taxonomy for quantifying EIT signals related to ventilation, heartbeat, and contrast enhancement.

Conclusions:

• Standardized EIT terminology and definitions are crucial for consistent study conduct, data analysis, and reporting.
• This consensus document serves as a vital reference for EIT researchers, clinicians, and manufacturers.
• The updated taxonomy facilitates a systematic approach to analyzing diverse EIT signals.