Evaluating burn scar vascularity using optical coherence tomography and angiography: a comparative study of vascular differences between scar and healthy tissues

Qiang Wang¹, Peijun Gong², Hadi Afsharan¹, Chulmin Joo³, Natalie Morellini^4,5, Mark Fear^4,5, Fiona Wood^4,5, Hao Ho², Dilusha Silva⁶, Barry Cense^1,3,
¹Optical+Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Perth, WA, Australia
²BRITElab, Nedlands, WA, Australia
³Yonsei University, Seoul South-Korea
⁴Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia
⁵Burn Injury Research Unit, Perth, WA, Australia
⁶Microelectronics Research Group, Perth, WA, Australia

Abstract

Assessing post-burn scars is a significant challenge in burn injury management, necessitating the development of accurate, non-invasive, and non-contact techniques. This study investigates the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) for detailed visualization of blood vessel networks within burn scars, providing a comprehensive analysis of wound healing. We examined healthy skin and scar tissue from ten burn patients, defining objective criteria to distinguish between normal skin and burn scars, focusing on vascular structure and blood flow velocity. Our findings show a marked disparity in the distribution of blood vessels between burn scars and healthy skin. Burn scars demonstrate heightened vascularization and greater uniformity in blood vessel size. Remarkably, the density of vessels in burn scars was 67% higher, and the axial blood velocity was 25% faster than in healthy tissue. Our research substantiates the practicality and effectiveness of OCT and OCTA as tools for burn scar assessment. These technologies promise to enhance patient-centered care and satisfaction by providing precise evaluations of burn scar severity and progression.

Biography

Qiang Wang, a PhD student at the Optical Bioimaging Laboratory (OBEL) at the University of Western Australia since 2019, concentrates on vasculature imaging methods employing optical coherence tomography (OCT) and laser speckle imaging. A graduate of Huazhong University of Science and Technology with a degree in Optical Engineering, Qiang is currently innovating in the area of OCT angiography methods and blood flow velocity measurements. His aspiration is to develop effective, non-invasive detection techniques intended for clinical applications.