Comparing limb-volume measurement techniques: 3D models from an infrared depth sensor versus water displacement

In our previous work, a new method for measuring limb volume based on infrared depth sensors was presented. The system, which can be operated in the comfort of our homes, allows for the early detection of swelling associated with lymphedema - a chronic disease caused by failure in the lymphatic system. Early detection and management can significantly reduce the potential for symptoms and complications; however, many patients fail to seek medical assistance at the first sign of the disease. So, the proposed system can potentially affect the lives of nearly 500,000 people in the U.S. who suffer from lymphedema with over 2.6 million breast cancer survivors and over 230,000 new cases every year¹ who are at-risk for developing this disease at some point in their life. In this paper, a series of improvements made to the system is presented. The changes led to the complete automation of the process of 3D imaging the arms. The proposed technique for limb-volume measurement was compared with the water displacement and the perometry. Being an ongoing research, the results presented here are limited to 14 arms of healthy volunteers. In the future, test will include a larger number of limbs of healthy as well as cancer patients.