Suction-Based Optical Coherence Elastography for the Biomechanical Characterization of Pathological Skin Conditions:
L van Haasterecht1,2,3, L Bartolini1, J M I Louter2
1LaserLab Amsterdam, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Journal of Biophotonics
|September 5, 2024
Summary
A new optical coherence elastography (OCE) device accurately measures skin mechanical properties in scars. This novel technology aids in evaluating therapeutic effects for skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Assessing skin mechanical properties is vital for evaluating treatments for conditions like scars.
- Existing methods for skin characterization have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical feasibility of a novel suction-based optical coherence elastography (OCE) device.
- To compare the device's measurements with a commercial instrument and subjective assessments.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study utilized a novel OCE device combining suction-based deformation and optical coherence tomography.
- AI-assisted image segmentation and a power-law model analyzed mechanical behavior.
- Measurements were taken from 20 subjects with keloids or hypertrophic scars and compared to control tissue.
Main Results:
- The novel OCE device provided fast and comfortable measurements.
- Significant differences in mechanical and structural properties (epidermal thickness, rugosity) were observed between scar tissue and control tissue.
- The device demonstrated clinical feasibility in characterizing pathological skin conditions.
Conclusions:
- The novel suction-based OCE device is clinically feasible for evaluating mechanical and structural properties in pathological skin conditions like scars.
- This technology offers a new tool for objective assessment in dermatology and scar management.
