Redefining Wound Healing: Point‑of‑Care Near‑Infrared Spectroscopy
A feasibility study by Andersen et al., published in *Advances in Skin & Wound Care* (May 2024), evaluated a portable, non-contact Near‑Infrared (NIR) imaging device (Snapshot NIR) to objectively assess wound healing progress. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key Highlights:
- Objective Healing Metric: The device measures tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) up to 2–3 mm beneath the wound surface, offering physiological data beyond visual inspection. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Healing Delays Uncovered: In a cohort of 15 patients with lower extremity wounds, complete StO₂ normalization occurred an average of 13.5 days (median 12, range 0–35) after visual re-epithelialization. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Guiding Clinical Decisions: By identifying continued physiological healing beneath intact epithelium, Clinicians can better determine safe timing for removing protective dressings and advising gradual return to full activity. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Feasibility for Practice: The point‑of‑care, non-contact NIR tool enables repeatable, objective monitoring and may reduce wound recurrence risk by informing return-to-activity timelines. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
This NIRS-based imaging approach redefines “healed” wounds by adding depth‑resolved physiological insight, helping clinicians tailor dressing changes and promote safer patient recovery.
Read the full study in Advances in Skin & Wound Care.
Keywords:
near-infrared spectroscopy,
Snapshot NIR,
tissue oxygenation,
wound assessment,
wound recurrence