Medical radar considerations for detecting and monitoring Crohn's disease

Sonny Smith; Ram M. Narayanan; Evangelos Messaris

doi:10.1117/12.2053118

Translator Disclaimer

29 May 2014 Medical radar considerations for detecting and monitoring Crohn's disease

Sonny Smith, Ram M. Narayanan, Evangelos Messaris

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9077, Radar Sensor Technology XVIII; 90770W (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2053118
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2014, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

Crohn's disease is a condition that causes inflammation and associated complications along any section of the digestive tract. Over the years, numerous radiological and endoscopic methods as well as the use of ultrasound have been developed to examine and diagnose inflammatory bowel disorders such as Crohn's disease. While such techniques have much merit, an alternative medical solution that is safe, non-invasive, and inexpensive is proposed in this paper. Reflections from electromagnetic signals transmitted by an ultra-wide band (UWB) radar allow for not only range (or extent) information but also spectral analysis of a given target of interest. Moreover, the radar cross-section (RCS) of an object measures how detectable the electromagnetic return energy of such an object is to the radar. In the preliminary phase of research, we investigate how disparities in the dielectric properties of diseased versus non-diseased portions of the intestines can aid in the detection of Crohn's disease. RCS analysis from finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method simulations using a simple 3D model of the intestines are presented. The ultimate goal of our research is to design a UWB radar system using a suitable waveform to detect and monitor Crohn's disease.

Citation Download Citation

Sonny Smith, Ram M. Narayanan, and Evangelos Messaris "Medical radar considerations for detecting and monitoring Crohn's disease", Proc. SPIE 9077, Radar Sensor Technology XVIII, 90770W (29 May 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2053118

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE