Pilot study to visualise and measure skin tissue oxygenation, erythema, total haemoglobin and melanin content using index maps in healthy controls

Abstract

ABSTRACT We report on a method for analysing multispectral images of skin in vivo for the measurement and visualisationof skin characteristics. Four di erent indices were used to characterise skin tissue oxygenation, erythema, totalhaemoglobin and melanin content. Index values were calculated pixel-wise and combined to create index maps tovisualise skin properties. Quantitative measurement of tissue oxygenation saturation was possible by calibratingthe oxygenation index using a commercial, calibrated oximeter. Index maps were tested by arterial occlusionof the index nger with multispectral images taken before, during and after occlusion in a pilot study with 10healthy controls.Keywords: Multispectral imaging, chromophore, tissue oxygenation, erythema, haemoglobin, melanin. 1. INTRODUCTION Multispectral imaging is an established technique that has been applied to many areas of industry and research,including medical application, which is of interest here. Due to its non-invasive nature and low cost applica-tion, hyper- and multi-spectral imaging techniques are being used clinically for skin measurement such as theassessment of burns