A comparison of two laser-based methods for determination of burn scar perfusion: Laser Doppler versus laser speckle imaging

Laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDI) is an established technique for early assessment of burn depth to help determine a course of treatment. Laser speckle perfusion imaging (LSPI) is an alternative laser based, non-invasive perfusion monitoring technique that offers rapid and high resolution images of tissue. We have evaluated the ability of the LSPI instrument in determining and monitoring burn scar perfusion over time and compared it with the LDI instrument as a standard. Methods: Ten patients with hypertrophic burn scars (time since injury: 1–8 months) were recruited. Burn scars were scanned with both instruments (LSPI and LDI) monthly over a period of 11 months. Clinical grading of the burn scars was assessed on every scan date using the Vancouver burn scar scale. Results: Comparison of the perfusion values determined by each instrument shows a strong positive correlation, r2 = 0.86 (n = 63). Each instrumentʹs output also correlated significantly with the clinical grading of the scar, indicating the expected decrease in perfusion as the clinical condition of the scars improved with time. Significance: The new LSPI instrument compared favorably with the established LDI instrument, yielding similar results. The considerably faster scan time and higher resolution of the LSPI method provides a distinct clinical advantage, both in terms of patient comfort and for reliably matching perfusion characteristics to their associated anatomical features. The fast temporal response of the LSPI instrument could be used to monitor near real-time responses to mechanical or pharmacological interventions to study dynamic vascular changes to burn damaged tissues.