layer 17 for additional structural support this support ring 21 permits the removal of layers 29 and 30 described below without wrinkling the other layers of the patch structure thereby providing structural support for the patch after layers 29 30 are removed when the patch is used as intended layer 17 may include high refractive index lines printed thereon to conduct light to the light source which may contain circuits that control the light output of the source for optimum imaging these lines may also be used to detect backscattered light to indicate presence of tissue or contact with the body surface as a safety feature against inadvertent heating of the body surface the paths are high index lines shown in the drawing as radially extending lines on layer 17 that are formed in the polymeric portion of layer 16 to provide light intensity values at various places of the patch skin interface it should be noted that the aluminum film may also be used to detect the presence of tissue via a change in capacitance caused by the presence with the intervening dielectric materials a visible v ir or nir light source 25 such as one or more light emitting diodes a chemiluminescent source or other suitable source shown by dashed lines may be inserted into and supported within two rings 26 27 of foam such as polyethylene foam and connected to a suitable source of power not shown for illumination of the body surface area of interest in accordance with the intended use of the invention in an aspect of the invention contemplated herein the light source 25 can include a disposable source such as including a battery powered led for field or emergency usage foam layer 26 abut 20 to 80 mils thick provides primary support.