Noninvasive assessment of cutaneous wound healing using ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used for noninvasive in vivo evaluation of the wound healing process. Cutaneous wounds were induced by 2.5-mm diameter full-thickness punch biopsies on the dorsal surface of seven mice. OCT imaging was performed to assess the structural characteristics associated with the healing process. The OCT results were compared to corresponding histology. Two automated quantitative analysis routines were implemented to identify the dermal-epidermal junction and segment the OCT images. Hallmarks of cutaneous wound healing such as wound size, epidermal migration, dermal-epidermal junction formation, and differences in wound composition were readily identified on the OCT images. Blister formation was also observed. Preliminary findings suggest OCT is a viable tool to noninvasively monitor wound healing in vivo.

Wound Healing Monitoring Using Near-Infrared Fluorescent Fibrinogen

“…However, histological examination involves sampling of the wound site, which in many cases can be difficult or even disruptive to already fragile tissue. Several groups are developing in vivo imaging techniques to monitor the wound healing process using angiography [17], ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT) [18][19][20][21] and photoacoustic microscopy [22]. These techniques provide reasonable structural resolution and most importantly give a chance to observe the newly formed tissue underneath the scab.…”

Critical Review of Noninvasive Optical Technologies for Wound Imaging

“…[30][31][32] These OCT systems employ Ti:Sapphire lasers, superluminescent diodes, or other low-coherent sources, and photodetectors for detection. Most studies related to wounds have been on animals (e.g., pigs, whit rabbits, diabetic mice, and Sprague-Dawley rats), [27][28][29]31,32 apart from some human subject studies. 30 OCT provides structural information of the tissues by measuring wound size, collagen birefringence, collagen denaturation, 30 and epidermal migration and/or burn depth.…”

“…OCT imaging is completely noninvasive and requires no contact to be made between OPTICAL IMAGING OF WOUNDS the skin and the optical system, although some OCT systems do require light contact to be made between the skin and a window at the end of the probe. [27][28][29][30][31][32] Various research groups have employed OCT to image chronic wounds [27][28][29] and burns. [30][31][32] These OCT systems employ Ti:Sapphire lasers, superluminescent diodes, or other low-coherent sources, and photodetectors for detection.…”

“…8,9,[27][28][29][30][31][32] The echo time delay of reflected light is measured using lowcoherence interferometry, and the reflections from the target are correlated with light that travels a reference path. 8,9 OCT has shown results in serial imaging of induced thermal injury and healing effects and provides structural information in larger tissue regions.…”

Three-Dimensional Images and Vessel Rendering Using Optical Coherence Tomography

“…3,4 Optical coherence tomography also successfully visualizes wound reepithelialization in studies. 5,6 Furthermore, OCT appears useful for investigating the cutaneous penetration of light-scattering contrast agents. 7 Optical coherence tomographic technology is likely to play a significant role in future bedside dermatologic diagnostics.…”