Measuring Breathing Airflow Using a Heat Sensitive Camera (ThermFlow)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
High Resolution Thermal Imaging Developments for Non-Contact Airflow Measurement: A Novel Child-friendly Method to Monitor Paediatric Airflow.
IRAS ID
227725
Contact name
Heather Elphick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
ThermPaed is a Sheffield Children's Hospital research collaborative which investigated the clinical diagnostic capabilities of high resolution thermal imaging (HRTI) in paediatrics. This research utilises thermal imaging techniques to detect fractures, arthritic inflammation and infection. ThermPaed proved HRTI has potential in paediatrics and resulted in development of techniques that has led to the current research study. The purpose of this study is to develop HRTI as a non-contact child-friendly means of measuring and monitoring paediatric airflow.
Sheffield Children’s Hospital Sleep Unit performs 500 sleep studies a year to investigate paediatric sleep-related breathing disorders. 1-6% of children have problems with their breathing during sleep and have breathing pauses called apnoeas. The condition needs accurate diagnosis and treatment to ensure correct blood oxygen levels.
During a sleep study a number of physiological parameters are measured. These include heart rate, chest movements, airflow, oxygen levels, body position, snoring, movement and video. A total of 13 sensors are attached to the child whilst awake, and then the child settles to sleep. Airflow parameters are measured by two contact sensors; one measures airflow by temperature and the other measures airflow by pressure. Both sensors are placed in or very close to the nostrils to detect and classify apnoea. Due to their contact nature, these sensors are poorly tolerated. In a recent survey of 100 sleep studies on our sleep unit, 50% children did not allow the sensors to be attached or removed them immediately causing difficulties in interpreting their condition.
Breathing generates changes in temperature around nose and mouth which can be detected with HRTI. We will recruit 30 children who are undergoing a sleep study. We will compare airflow measurements from the existing clinical nasal sensors and HRTI to evaluate whether this new technique will provide an accurate non-contact alternative to measure respiration airflow.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1257
Date of REC Opinion
12 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion