A 3D digital image correlation framework for skin strain analysis with application to the peripheral intravenous...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Medical Device Engineering
• Experimental Mechanics

Background:

• Quantifying skin strain at medical device interfaces is crucial for understanding device securement and failure.
• Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) dislodgement is a common clinical issue linked to interface mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a 3D digital image correlation (DIC) framework for in vivo quantification of skin-device interface strain.
• To validate the framework's accuracy and demonstrate its application in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• Developed a 3D DIC framework validated with rigid body motion and uniaxial testing to sub-pixel accuracy.
• Introduced a reproducible stencil/stamp speckle patterning method for high-contrast skin imaging.
• Applied the framework in vivo beneath a PIVC dressing at the antecubital fossa.

Main Results:

• The framework achieved sub-pixel accuracy in quantifying skin-device interface strain.
• Strain analysis revealed a mechanical hierarchy, with concentration at the dressing margin.
• Demonstrated the system's effectiveness in a real-world clinical scenario.

Conclusions:

• The 3D DIC framework provides accurate in vivo measurement of skin-device interface strain.
• This technology can improve medical device evaluation and biomechanical research.
• The open-source implementation lowers barriers for adoption in clinical and research settings.