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Case Series/Study
A cohort of 18 patients with non-healing surgical wounds were treated at a specialized outpatient wound care clinic. These wounds resulted from cosmetic surgeries (n=8), c-sections (n=3), pilonidal sinus excision (n=3), cancer resection (n=2), 1 port-a-cath incision, and 1 toe amputation. Fluorescence wound imaging was performed by a single wound care provider during the patient’s visit using a hand-held, non-contact device* that detects the presence and location of bacterial loads >104 CFU/gr as red or cyan fluorescence signals. Wound area measurements were used to track wound healing progression. The poster showcases the 6 most prominent cases to illustrate wound management.
Results: Out of the 18 non-healing surgical wounds imaged, 89% displayed fluorescence signals indicative of bacteria/biofilm at their baseline/initial visit. The clinician used this biomarker to guide wound treatment decisions in several ways: 1) fluorescence alerted toward areas not flagged by standard clinical assessment; 2) cleansing/debridement procedures were focused to bacteria-laden areas, avoiding disturbing healthy tissue; 3) the need for further cleansing, debridement or antimicrobials was ascertained post-procedurally. Fluorescence signals fluctuated between visits. By the end of the investigation, complete eradication of fluorescent signals (indicating elevated bioburden) was observed in 100% of cases. Healing was accomplished in 83% of the wounds, and for the 3 wounds that did not heal completely, wound area reduced by 42.2% (average).
Discussion:
Fluorescence imaging enabled precise removal of bioburden and supported objective care planning, improving infection management, antimicrobial stewardship, and promoting healing in stalled surgical wounds. This non-invasive, handheld technology had a significantly positive impact on the outcomes of these patients.