Heat-seeking healthcare

Posted: Saturday, Sep 27, 2008 - 07:54:33 pm PDT
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By RICK THOMAS
Staff writer 

Photos by SHAWN GUST and JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Justice Smith, left, and fiance Brian Naccarato have opened Empire Digital Imaging to provide digital infrared thermal imaging as a supplemental diagnostic tool for cancer and pain issues.

Empire Digital Imaging uses heat-sensitive camera without radiation or physical contact

COEUR d'ALENE -- A new line of defense in the quest for early detection of cancer is now available in North Idaho.

Empire Digital Imaging now provides digital infrared thermal imaging, which uses a precisely-calibrated temperature sensing camera to show changes and asymmetrical characteristics without radiation or physical contact.

"We are trying to stay ahead of the curve of the physical side of change," said Brian Naccarato, who, with fiancee Justice Smith, opened the new service at 1112 W. Ironwood Dr.

Both are certified clinical thermographers, using a Meditherm camera system. Among its primary uses is detecting symptoms of possible breast cancer or other forms of cancer, but it is also used on other parts of the body as an aid in determining possible causes of pain.

The system is seen as a supplement to mammograms, X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging.

"We are not replacing anything," Naccarato said. Rather, the system provides a non-invasive, radiation-free, painless method of detecting potential problems.

It is described in company literature as particularly appropriate for women ages 30 to 50 whose denser tissue makes it more difficult for effective mammography or for those who are unable to undergo that testing. It is also used to note changes over time.

"When we take an image, we start with zero," Naccarato said. "We look at the original image, and later are looking for changes or variables."

The camera is connected to a computer, and the images sent to physicians approved by Meditherm for analysis.

"We are not diagnosing anything," Smith said. "It's no different than getting an X-ray. The technician doesn't tell you anything."

The entire process takes about 20 minutes, she said. Depending on what types of readings are needed, the cost is about $150.

"It's very cost effective," she said. "It is a good way to justify more expensive tests like MRI."

Results are generally available in 36 to 48 hours. If they indicate closer examination should be done, the technicians will recommend the client follow up with a visit to a physician.

Smith and Naccarato were certified a couple of months ago following about a week of training by Meditherm.

The technology has been used for about 20 years, but has evolved significantly in the past decade, Naccarato said. It is a medical adaptation of forward looking infrared night vision technology, he added.

The system is portable, but service outside the office will only be offered in circumstances where necessary, such as if a physician makes a request for a patient in the hospital.

The camera is self-calibrated at absolute zero degrees, Naccarato said and is 98 percent accurate. The heat sensors detect variations in temperature that can be caused by pain, but difficult to catch otherwise, he said, enabling a physician to zero in on the possible cause.

"It is validation of the patient's complaint," Smith said.

Variations in color indicate changes in skin temperature related to blood flow, Meditherm says.

The main objective, however, is for use as a means to improve early detection of cancer. That can be particularly valuable for people with hereditary indicators for the disease, Naccarato said.

Normal bodies will display symmetrical color patterns, he said. Color variations symptomatic of fibrocystic changes, inflammatory cancer or ductal carcinoma.

Annual thermal checks go hand-in-hand with mammography, self-exams and professional checks to improve chances of early detection, Naccarato said.

"It can be efficient, and life saving," he said.

The device has been criticized by the American Medical Association and others in the medical field as experimental, but has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is approved by some health insurance carriers, but Empire does not bill them directly.

Empire Digital Imaging is at 1112 W. Ironwood Drive, on the east side of the building behind Medicine Man Pharmacy. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Information: (509) 209-4143 or www.meditherm.com