Advancing Wound Healing Assessment: The Potential of LF US Therapy Evaluated Through Mobile Multispectral Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Imaging

Introduction: Chronic wounds, affecting over 6 million Americans, pose significant challenges and an increased risk of amputations 1. Recognizing the societal burden associated with non-healing wounds and their substantial impact on the quality of life for affected individuals2, there is a pressing need for advanced modalities in wound management. While conventional protocols succeed in some cases, they often fall short for patients with chronic, non-healing wounds. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of non-contact, non-thermal, low-frequency ultrasound (LF US) therapy by employing mobile multispectral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The objective is to elucidate the specific pathways through which LF US impacts the healing process, with a focus on documenting and quantifying the wound healing trajectory.Methods:Using an FDA-cleared handheld mobile multispectral near-infrared imaging device with thermal capabilities*, temperature and tissue oximetry (SO2) were measured pre- and post-treatment using the FDA-cleared LF US device**. The analysis focused on documenting and quantifying the wound healing process.Results:NIRS imaging revealed disparities in tissue oximetry and temperature following LF US treatment. While LF US therapy promoted healing through vasodilation and the acceleration of angiogenesis, NIRS imaging facilitated the quantification of healing by measuring SO2 levels and visualizing angiogenesis processes.Discussion: The utilization of NIRS imaging has the potential to play a crucial role, not just in documenting the effectiveness of LF US treatments, but also in quantifying the healing trajectory across a diverse spectrum of chronic and acute wounds in various patient settings. NIRS has the capability to contribute to the comprehension of LF US treatment's clinical effectiveness visually demonstrating expedited angiogenesis at the wound site. Recognizing this potential, NIRS could become an indispensable tool for nurse practitioners, enriching their understanding of the healing trajectory. Looking ahead, as our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of LF US treatments continues to advance, it is likely to lead to the optimization of parameters and the discovery of novel applications for this technology.References:1. Sen, C. K. et al. Human skin wounds: a major and snowballing threat to public health and the economy. Wound Repair Regen. 17, 763–771 (2009). 2. Maan, Z. N. et al. Noncontact, low-frequency ultrasound therapy enhances neovascularization and wound healing in diabetic mice. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 134, 402e–411e (2014).