Evaluating clinical observation versus Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI), Laser Speckle Imaging (LSI) and thermal imaging for the assessment of burn depth

Publication date: Available online 14 October 2018Source: BurnsAuthor(s): Adrien Ponticorvo, Rebecca Rowland, Melissa Baldado, David M. Burmeister, Robert J. Christy, Nicole P. Bernal, Anthony J. DurkinAbstractWhile clinical examination is needed for burn severity diagnosis, several emerging technologies aim to quantify this process for added objectivity. Accurate assessments become easier after burn progression, but earlier assessments of partial thickness burn depth could lead to earlier excision and grafting and subsequent improved healing times, reduced rates of scarring/infection, and shorter hospital stays. Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI), Laser Speckle Imaging (LSI) and thermal imaging are three non-invasive imaging modalities that have some diagnostic ability for noninvasive assessment of burn severity, but have not been compared in a controlled experiment. Here we tested the ability of these imaging techniques to assess the severity of histologically confirmed graded burns in a swine model. Controlled, graded burn wounds, 3 cm in diameter were created on the dorsum of Yorkshire pigs (n = 3, 45–55 kg) using a custom-made burn tool that ensures consistent pressure has been employed by various burn research groups. For each pig, a total of 16 burn wounds were created on the dorsal side. Biopsies were taken for histological analysis to verify the severity of the burn. Clinical analysis, SFDI, LSI and thermal imaging were performed at 24 and ...
Source: Burns - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research