Multimodal imaging device to comprehensively assess infection, oxygenation, and wound analytics—A pilot study

Abstract

Wound analytics, infection detection, and oxygenation measurement are the three critical prerequisites for appropriate wound care. Although devices that rapidly detect the above‐mentioned parameters independently exist, there is no single point‐of‐care device that is enabled with all the three functionalities. Through this study, we are introducing and evaluating the performance of Illuminate Pro Max—a novel, rapid, hand‐held non‐contact, point‐of‐care multimodal imaging device that is equipped to measure the three wound assessment parameters. Here, a total of 60 diabetic foot ulcer patients were imaged using Illuminate Pro Max to detect bioburden and measure StO2 levels and wound dimensions (size and depth). The results were further evaluated against the current gold standard technique for each parameter, that is, culture test to detect bioburden, a transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) measuring device—Perimed Periflux 5000 to measure oxygenation, and paper ruler to measure wound size. Culture tests reported 42 samples as infection‐positive and 18 samples as infection‐negative. On comparing with the culture report, the device showed 88% sensitivity and 86% PPV in detecting the bioburden. Wound dimensions (length and width) were comparable with the paper scale measurements. Wound depth was also reported by the device. The StO2 map generated by the device depicted the tissue oxygenation levels in various regions of the wound. In conclusion, this novel, comprehensive point‐of‐care multispectral imaging device can be an effective tool for rapid wound assessment which can help in prompt treatment.