632 Analysing Laser Doppler Images - A Modified Approach to the Assessment of Burn Depth

Abstract

Abstract Aim To establish a method of quantifiably determining burn depth from Laser Doppler (LD) images of burns. Method NICE advises for LD scanning to be utilised for the assessment of intermediate depth burns, where there is doubt about burn depth following experienced clinician examination. However, these scan images do not provide a quantifiable measure of burn depth. LD determines burn perfusion, with deeper burns appear blue, and superficial burns appearing red. We retrospectively studied LD images from 110 patients over the course of 2019. Using Adobe Photoshop, Histogram software, we highlighted the burns using the selection tool, and determined the proportion of the burn that was deep/poorly perfused. We then correlated these results with time till recovery. Results Burns with a poorly perfused region of larger than 20%, had a proportional increase in time till full recovery. This proportional increase was also reflected in burns with a 30% and 40% poor perfusion. Burns with less than 20% of poor perfusion were found to recover at the same rate as superficial burns. This novel method for the measurement of burn depth will allow for the examining plastic surgeon to make a decision on treatment based on concrete and quantifiable burn depth data. Conclusions We have demonstrated the initial validity of a novel method for the quantifiable measurement of burn depth. Further study is required, to establish the validity of this novel approach to the quantifiable detection of burn depth.