A device which illuminates bacteria invisible to the human eye could help to prevent amputations by ensuring wounds like diabetic foot ulcers are cleaned more effectively.
Chronic wounds are those which fail to heal after a couple of months and contain bacteria that can cause severe infection if not found and removed.
Around a third of people with diabetes have a diabetic foot ulcer, or open sore, with around 20% resulting in a lower limb amputation.
When clinicians clean out – or debride – a wound, their efforts are limited by the fact that not all bacteria can be seen.
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However, new research suggests a handheld device can improve the accuracy of wound cleans. The device uses autofluorescence (AF) imaging, a violet light which illuminates molecules in the cell walls of any bacteria.
Different types of bacteria show up as different colours, allowing clinicians and surgeons to identify the type and volume of bacteria present and improve the accuracy of removal.
It also healthcare professionals to decide then and there what treatment course to take, reducing the risk of infection taking hold because action is taken faster.
Senior author of the study David G. Armstrong, a podiatric surgeon and limb preservation specialist, said: “We’re hopeful this new technology can help surgeons improve their accuracy when pinpointing and consequently removing bacteria from wounds and therefore improve patient outcomes, particularly for those with diabetic foot wounds.
“The early detection and removal of bacteria from a wound is vital to preventing avoidable amputations.”
The research looked at 25 studies which explored the effectiveness of AF imaging in treating diabetic foot ulcers.
The team found that AF imaging can spot wound bacteria in around 9 in 10 patients that standard clinical assessments don’t pick up on.
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Standard assessments usually involve tissue samples being sent to a lab to identify what bacteria is present and how best to tackle it, whether that is antibiotics, or a specialist wound dressing.
The downside to this is that it can take days – enough time for infection to set in.
AF imaging allows clinicians cleaning the wound to make a decision in real time, reducing the risk of infection.
Removing the bacteria at an earlier stage could also help more patients to avoid the use of antibiotics, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
David Armstrong said: “This real-time intervention may allow for faster, more effective treatment for wounds.
“I look forward to more research in this area as we hope to see AF imaging become the standard of care for wound care in the near future.”
Read the study in Advances in Wound Care.
