Autofluorescence Wound Imaging for Real-Time Bacterial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wound assessment methods are suboptimal, relying on subjective visual inspection and bacteriological swabs that are insensitive, time-consuming, and fail to provide real-time, objective data on biological and molecular changes in wounds, leading to delayed treatment and increased morbidity and mortality.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device for autofluorescence imaging that captures white light and bacterial autofluorescence signals, allowing real-time, non-invasive detection and analysis of bacterial load and tissue composition, providing objective data for wound assessment and treatment guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct visual inspection and bacteriological swabs are used for wound assessment, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and reliability of bacterial load detection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (white light imaging, autofluorescence imaging, and bacterial detection) into a single handheld device. The device integrates an excitation light source for autofluorescence, a camera for capturing images, and a processor for analyzing bacterial load, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device performs multiple wound assessment functions simultaneously: visual inspection under white light, autofluorescence imaging for bacterial detection, and quantitative analysis of bacterial load. This multi-functionality improves detection precision without requiring multiple separate devices or complex procedures.
2Productivity
If bacteriological swabs are collected for wound assessment, then bacterial identification is possible, but the process is time-consuming and results are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary autofluorescence imaging and bacterial load analysis directly at the wound site without requiring sample collection and laboratory processing. The excitation light source illuminates the wound to elicit autofluorescence from bacteria, and the camera captures real-time images for immediate analysis, eliminating delays associated with traditional swabbing and lab culturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of swabbing and laboratory culturing with an optical system. The excitation light source and camera create an optical pathway that directly detects bacterial autofluorescence, substituting physical sample collection and chemical processing with non-contact optical measurement for immediate results.
3Loss of information
If qualitative visual assessment is performed, then the assessment is quick and easy, but objective data on biological and molecular changes is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes autofluorescence color changes to indicate bacterial presence and tissue characteristics. Different bacteria and tissue types exhibit distinct autofluorescence wavelengths when excited by the light source, providing objective color-based data about biological and molecular changes at the wound site while maintaining ease of operation through automated image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces autofluorescence imaging as an intermediary between subjective visual inspection and complex laboratory analysis. The excitation light source and camera system serve as intermediaries that capture objective biological information from the wound, which is then processed by software to provide quantifiable data without requiring invasive sampling or complex laboratory procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, non-invasive detection of bacterial presence and distribution, guiding treatment decisions and tracking wound healing, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality by enhancing clinical wound management.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation light source configured to emit excitation light selected to elicit emission of bacterial autofluorescence from bacteria in a target illuminated with the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
The mobile communication device comprises an optical sensor configured to detect signals responsive to illumination of the target with the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
A method of guiding debridement of a wound with an imaging system comprises positioning an excitation light source of an imaging system relative to a wound and illuminating the wound with excitation light to cause the wound to emit fluorescence. The method also comprises positioning an emissions filter over a portion of a mobile communication device and aligning the emissions filter with an image sensor of a camera of the mobile communication device. The method further comprises positioning the mobile communication device to align a field of view of the camera with the illuminated wound to detect the fluorescence emitted by the illuminated wound with the image sensor, viewing the fluorescence emitted by the illuminated wound in real time, and while viewing the fluorescence emitted by the wound in real time, debriding the wound to remove bacteria from the wound. The fluorescence is indicative of a presence of bacteria.