SWIR Imaging for Burn Depth Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing the depth of burns lack objective measures, leading to inappropriate surgical interventions in 40% of cases, resulting in longer hospital stays and poor outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using short wave infrared (SWIR) imaging to differentiate superficial from deep burns based on variations in moisture levels, validated using an inert compound, a mouse model, and a porcine thermal injury model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clinical judgment and physical examination are used to assess burn depth, then the assessment method is simple and widely available, but the accuracy and objectivity are insufficient leading to 40% inappropriate surgical interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical examination system with an optical imaging system. SWIR imaging captures moisture distribution in burn wounds objectively, substituting subjective clinical judgment with quantitative optical measurement. This resolves the contradiction by providing high-precision burn depth assessment without requiring complex surgical intervention planning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes moisture-dependent optical absorption characteristics in the SWIR spectrum to create visual contrast between different burn depths. Viable tissue with higher moisture content appears differently than necrotic tissue with lower moisture content, enabling objective depth assessment. This approach improves measurement precision while keeping the system relatively simple by leveraging natural optical properties of tissue.
2Measurement precision
If laser doppler imaging (LDI) is used to assess tissue viability, then the accuracy correlates with histology greater than 95%, but the device is not portable and very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs SWIR imaging technology that uses inexpensive light sources and detectors compared to LDI systems. The system achieves comparable or superior accuracy to LDI while being portable and cost-effective, suitable for bedside and intraoperative use. This resolves the contradiction by providing high-precision assessment without the prohibitive cost and complexity of LDI equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex laser-based Doppler flow measurement system with a simpler SWIR optical absorption system. Instead of measuring blood flow dynamics, the system directly images moisture distribution which correlates with tissue viability. This substitution maintains high measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If tissue biopsy is performed to obtain objective measurements of tissue viability, then histological assessment is the gold standard, but the procedure is invasive, expensive, and subject to sampling errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the burn wound's moisture distribution using SWIR imaging. This non-invasive optical measurement provides comprehensive area assessment without the sampling errors inherent in biopsy. The imaging system captures the complete wound bed characteristics, eliminating the need for invasive tissue removal and laboratory processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the tissue itself to reveal its viability status through its natural moisture content, which is visualized by SWIR imaging. The tissue's optical properties in the SWIR spectrum provide self-diagnostic information about viability and depth, eliminating the need for external invasive intervention to obtain diagnostic information.
4Length of stationary object
If near infrared (NIR) imaging is used to assess burn wound edema, then deeper tissues can be visualized, but surface moisture assessment is not reliable and reproduction is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter from NIR to SWIR to optimize both penetration depth and surface moisture detection. SWIR wavelengths provide enhanced water absorption contrast while maintaining adequate tissue penetration. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable surface moisture assessment with consistent reproduction, while still visualizing deeper tissue layers for comprehensive burn depth evaluation.
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
The SWIR imaging system accurately delineates moisture penetration at different depths, enabling improved pre- and intraoperative surgical guidance for burn surgeons, reducing inappropriate surgeries and improving treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
short wave infrared (SWIR) imaging to differentiate superficial from deep burns based on variations in moisture level
Implementation Method 2
The SWIR imaging system accurately delineates moisture penetration at different depths
Data Source
AI summary
A short wave infrared (SWIR) imaging system and method of using the same is provided for assessing a tissue damage depth and/or readiness for reconstruction and/or debridement. The SWIR imaging system includes a light source for illuminating the wound or burn, an image light-registering camera system having at least one narrow-band SWIR filter to image the wound or burn and output imaging information, and a detection system for receiving the imaging information and processing the imaging information to determine a tissue damage depth and/or readiness for reconstruction and/or debridement assessment.