A Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging System for Monitoring Wound Healing Post Amputation

Abstract

We have developed a near-infrared, MR, hyperspectral imaging system, and utilized it to help clinicians monitor the recovery of lower limb amputations toward reducing the risk of amputation failure. The system illuminates the amputation area with a cold broadband light source, collects a series of spectroscopic images that are deconvoluted using chemometric methods for imaging the spatial distribution of inherent chromophores. The resulting images indicate chemical changes within the deeper larger blood vessels supplying blood flow to the skin for visualizing areas of inadequate blood flow prior to visible changes in-vivo, non- invasively, and without the use of contrast dye injection.