Evaluation of FLIR-One Pro Thermal imaging camera for the assessment of burn wound depth in partial thickness wounds and wounds treated with Biobrane® dressings
Florencia Moraga Masson1, Gayatri Caplash 1, James Kieu 1, Christopher Wearn Marcus Wagstaff 1, 1Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Abstract
Purpose:
Therapeutic decisions for burns depend on the early and reliable assessment of the depth of injury. The FLIR-One Pro® utilises a specialised camera that can capture the infrared radiation emissivity of the skin and display the images on modern smartphones/tablets. Biobrane® is a biosynthetic semi-permeable membrane that functions as a neo-epidermis.
This study aims to assess whether FLIR-One Pro® can adequately assess burn depth through Biobrane® dressing to validate the FLIR-One Pro® to assist in clinical decision making regarding a surgical vs conservative approach to a thermal burn injury.
Methodology:
Thermal imaging, photographic and clinical evaluation occurred at the following time windows:
1. 0-48 hours from burn, pre-debridement, and post-debridement
2. Day 2-4 post injury
3. +/- Day 5-10 post injury
4. Wound healing estimation at 2 weeks post burn
Results:
Patients with partial thickness burns treated with Biobrane® dressings were assessed clinically and with FLIR-One Pro® images at the time intervals defined above. The FLIR-One Pro® software was used to determine the temperature of burnt skin and surrounding unburnt skin. The temperature difference between burned and non-burned skin was calculated (DT), and a wound healing assessment was conducted at two weeks post-burn. Except for one patient who required debridement of burn and skin grafting, the remainder demonstrated good healing at the two-week follow-up.
Conclusion:
It can be challenging to assess burn depth due to the dynamic nature of burns wounds. The FLIR-One Pro® thermal camera is a non-invasive, convenient adjunct that can help in accurate burn wound assessment.
Biography
Florencia Moraga Masson is an Intern based at the Royal Adelaide Hospital with an interest in Burns Surgery.
Gayatri Caplash is a Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Service Registrar at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.