Research Roundup

Journal of Wound Care: Use of a bacterial fluorescence imaging system to target wound debridement and accelerate healing: a pilot study.

This study was conducted over 12-week period with 11 lower extremity wounds with various types and sizes. All wounds had delayed healing of >12 weeks, but without clinical signs and symptoms of infection and 11 of 12 wounds did have bacteria. A concern for all clinicians is to determine if bacteria is impeding healing and restart the healing process with removal of devitalized tissue. This study review a real-time method to detect bacteria and remove dead tissue by visualizing extent and location with use of fluorescence imaging.

All clinicians have same goal: to heal wounds. However, due to limitations of resources or reliable information to guide decision-making, complete wound healing often remains challenging in chronic wounds. Review this study to learn how use of fluorescence imaging in combination with clinical signs and symptoms can be a positive adjunct treatment option to identify bacteria, target specific debridement, and assist in selection of topical or systemic treatments.