Improving the Detection of Pressure Ulcers Using the TMI ImageMed System

Abstract

Infrared imaging using intelligent software may become a promising, objective method for identifying incipient PrUs and provide clinicians with specific anatomical locations for increased preventive interventions.

Pressure ulcer/injury classification today: An international perspective

“…More recent advances include bioengineering techniques to measure skin and tissue status during and after loading such as transepidermal water loss [63,64], skin and tissue hydration [63,65], (skin) blood flow [66][67][68], skin markers such as interleukins [66,69], microclimate measurements [63,70], ultrasound to detect edema and structural tissue changes [71,72], and infrared Table 2 Key considerations for investigating measurement properties of pressure ulcer/injury classification. • COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) [45] • • COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) [45] thermography to detect warm areas indicative of tissue inflammation and cold areas indicative of tissue death [73,74]. These assessment approaches provide promise for our ability to measure early pressure damage that is not visible under intact skin [63,75].…”

Accuracy and Reproducibility of the Wound Shape Measuring and Monitoring System

“…It is a handheld, easy-touse device that is portable and can collect digital visual (color) and digital long-wave thermal (infrared) images of external wounds and surrounding unaffected skin surfaces. 10,11 Thermal and visual images are captured simultaneously for side-by-side comparisons. Once the images are captured, the digital visual image can be used to calculate wound L Â W area and measure wound perimeter.…”

Preventing pressure ulcers by assessment of the microcirculation in tissue exposed to pressure

“…Instead, Tescher et al have proposed using the total risk score as a risk alert assessment and then using other measures such as the subscale scores to develop an individualized prevention plan for the specific patient. Others have focused on the need for objective and quantifiable technology to measure the physiological and biomechanical factors that are related to pressure ulcer risk (Judy et al, 2011, Sprigle et al, 2013.…”