Burn Wound Dynamics Measured with Hyperspectral Imaging

Introduction: Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) combined with an augmented model-based data processing enables the measurement of the depth-resolved perfusion of burn wounds. With these methods, the fundamental problem of the wound dynamics (wound conversion or progression) in the first 4 days should be parametrically analyzed and evaluated. Material and Methods: From a cohort of 59 patients with burn injuries requiring medical intervention, 281 homogenous wound segments were selected and subjected to clinical classification based on the duration of healing. The classification was retrospectively assigned to each segment during the period from day 0 to day 2 post-burn. The perfusion parameters were presented in two parameter spaces describing the upper and deeper perfusion. Results: The investigation of value distributions within the parameter spaces pertaining to four distinct categories of damage from superficial dermal to full-thickness burns during the initial four days reveals the inherent variability and distinct patterns associated with wound progression, depending on the severity of damage. The analysis highlights the challenges associated with estimating the burn degrees during this early stage and elucidates the significance of deeper tissue perfusion in the classification process, which cannot be discerned through visual inspections. Conclusions: The feasibility of early classification on day 0 or 1 was assessed, and the findings indicate a restricted level of reliability, particularly on day 0, primarily due to the substantial variability observed in wound characteristics and inherent dynamics.