Electromagnetic techniques for medical diagnosis: A review

In this paper, potential electromagnetic (EM) methods for medical diagnosis are reviewed. These include impedance plethysmography, microwave methods for lung water measurements, EM flowmeters, and microwave radiometry diagnostic techniques. Other techniques that are in preliminary research stages, such as EM imaging and use of microwave Doppler radar to monitor arterial wall movements, are briefly discussed. The principles underlying the operation of each method are described, along with comments about adequacy for medical diagnosis. The important experimental results that identify the advantages and the limitations of each method are presented. In most cases, it is clear that while the electromagnetic diagnostic techniques are attractive and promising, much more research is still needed before these methods are ready for full clinical use. Suggestions for future development and/or possible extensions are discussed.