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Case Series/Study
The escalating global prevalence of diabetes has brought diabetic foot ulceration as a significant complication affecting millions (Armstrong et al. 2020). The objective of managing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is to prevent severe complications and enhance the quality of life for individuals with diabetes (Chen et al. 2023). This study addresses the pressing need to improve DFU management and explores the use of mobile multispectral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging as an advanced tool for quantifying healing in hard-to-heal DFUs.
Methods:
Utilizing a handheld multispectral NIRS imaging device with thermal imaging capabilities*, this study assessed integration of tissue oxygenation levels and skin surface temperature measurements into the DFU management workflow. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, NIRS measurements, temperature measurements, digital photos, and intervention outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Results:
Mobile multispectral NIRS imaging emerges as a powerful tool for quantifying healing in hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcer cases. The study analyzed tissue oxygenation levels, emphasizing their correlation with the severity of DFU conditions. Temperature irregularities were assessed through thermal imaging, demonstrating the utility of asymmetry values in capturing inflammatory changes.
Discussion:
This study explores the incorporation of mobile NIRS imaging as an advanced technique for assessing the healing progress of challenging-to-treat DFUs. NIRS imaging, with its ability to visualize microcirculation, offers a convenient method for documenting wound healing progress. NIRS demonstrated a capacity to generate immediate images, providing valuable insights into tissue perfusion (measured by StO2) and foot temperature. This DFU management advancement not only facilitates a comprehensive understanding of wound healing trajectory but also offers real-time feedback to guide immediate interventions.