Importance

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Abstract

A burn evaluation apparatus and related method, that allows a surgeon to make a quick evaluation of the extent and depth of a skin burn injury by employing induced ultraviolet or blue light fluorescence spectroscopy and visible and infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The apparatus monitors the condition of the structural and metabolic constituents in the injured skin. The apparatus includes a plurality of light sources, a sensor, a microprocessor, and several optical fiber bundles. The light sources emit excitation light at predetermined wavelengths, and when each is activated, the sensor measures the amount return light received within several wavelength bands of interest. A side fiber bundle spaced about a centimeter from a main fiber bundle assists in detecting tissue water below the burn area. By optically evaluating the skin at the burn site, the apparatus prevents the unnecessary removal of viable skin that will heal spontaneously within a few weeks, thereby reducing the amount of skin that must be surgically grafted.

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First Claim