The Use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Assessment of Viability and Monitoring of Healthy Trajectories in Skin Tears
Summary: A single-center prospective cohort study at Madigan Army Medical Center (2023–2024) evaluated near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a tool for assessing skin flap viability in skin tears. The study found that NIRS-guided preservation of skin flaps significantly reduced wound size and demonstrated healing times shorter than historical averages, suggesting NIRS may improve outcomes and lower costs in wound care.
Key Highlights:
- Background: Traditional assessment of skin flaps relies on visual inspection, often leading to unnecessary excision and larger wounds. NIRS provides an objective, noninvasive measure of tissue perfusion and oxygenation.
- Methods: 14 skin flaps in 11 patients were evaluated using NIRS. Tissue with StO₂ ≥ 50% was preserved, while nonviable tissue was debrided.
- Results: Median wound area with preserved flaps was 1.6 cm² versus 9.1 cm² without preservation (P = .0001). Median healing time was 22 days, compared with 28–42 days reported in literature.
- Clinical significance: Preserved skin flaps provided smaller wounds, faster closure, and potential improvements in tissue tensile strength. NIRS enabled real-time decision-making in flap conservation.
- Economic implications: Reduced healing times could lower follow-up costs by $200–$400 per patient, with potential national savings of $5 million annually across U.S. wound care clinics.
- Future considerations: Larger studies are needed to refine StO₂ thresholds, validate long-term benefits, and assess cost-effectiveness of NIRS adoption in clinical workflows.
Read the full article on Wounds (HMP Global Learning Network)
Keywords:
near-infrared spectroscopy,
skin flap viability,
skin tears,
Madigan Army Medical Center