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In Vivo Assessment and Monitoring of Burn Wounds Using a Handheld Terahertz Hyperspectral Scanner
Omar B Osman1, Zachery B Harris1, Juin W Zhou1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
Advanced Photonics Research
|January 2, 2023
Summary
Terahertz time-domain spectral imaging (THz-TDSI) offers accurate, in vivo assessment of burn injuries. This technology aids surgeons in distinguishing burn depths, improving critical decisions for wound treatment and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Dermatology
Background:
- Clinical assessment of burn injuries has low accuracy (50-76%).
- Burn depth dictates healing, requiring accurate diagnosis for appropriate treatment.
- Factors like inflammation and autophagy influence burn wound progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate terahertz time-domain spectral imaging (THz-TDSI) for in vivo burn assessment.
- To determine THz-TDSI's accuracy in differentiating burn depths.
- To explore THz-TDSI's potential in guiding surgical decisions for burn care.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel handheld THz-TDSI scanner on a porcine scald model.
- Characterized partial-thickness and full-thickness burn injuries.
- Performed histopathological analysis for control and validation (n=40).
Main Results:
- THz-TDSI accurately differentiated between partial-thickness and full-thickness burns (p<0.05).
- Quantitative assessment of burn injuries was achieved in vivo.
- The imaging modality showed high sensitivity in characterizing burn severity.
Conclusions:
- THz-TDSI is a promising tool for quantitative, in vivo burn assessment.
- This technology can improve diagnostic accuracy in burn care.
- Objective decision-making for early wound excision can be enhanced by THz-TDSI.
