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Case Series/Study
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that can lead to severe complications, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which may necessitate amputation. The decision-making process for amputation in diabetic subjects remains complex, as it requires accurate assessment of tissue viability and blood perfusion. Mobile multispectral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging has emerged as a non-invasive and promising tool for evaluating tissue oxygenation levels, thereby assisting in amputation decisions. This case series aims to investigate the utility of mobile multispectral NIRS in guiding amputation levels in diabetic patients.
Methods:
A retrospective case series design was employed, involving diabetic subjects with PAD and DFUs who underwent evaluation using mobile multispectral NIRS imaging. A hand-held multispectral NIRS imaging device* that utilizes near-infrared light to assess tissue oxygenation (StO2) levels at multiple wavelengths was used. The device also measured temperature. Relevant data, including patient demographics, clinical characteristics, NIRS findings, and subsequent amputation decisions, were collected and analyzed. The findings from this case series highlight the potential of multispectral NIRS as a valuable tool in the assessment and decision-making process for amputation in diabetic subjects. By providing real-time and objective data on tissue oxygenation, NIRS can aid clinicians in accurately identifying viable tissue and determining the optimal level of amputation, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing the incidence of unnecessary limb loss. Furthermore, the portability and ease of use of mobile NIRS devices make them particularly suitable for point-of-care applications in various healthcare settings.
Results: The case series included 3 diabetic subjects with varying degrees of PAD and DFUs. NIRS analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between tissue oxygenation levels and the severity of PAD and DFUs. The results revealed that mobile multispectral NIRS provided valuable information regarding tissue viability and blood perfusion, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions regarding the necessity and level of amputation.
Discussion: