Assessment of Burn Severity Using Photoacoustic Imaging

Abstract

Accurate assessment of burn severity is crucial to determine treatment plans for burn patients. However, no reliable diagnostic method has been established. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging may be useful for burn diagnosis because it enables depth-resolved visualization of full-thickness skin. This article reviews some recent reports on the application of PA imaging for burn diagnosis as well as our recent research on burn depth assessment by light-emitting diodes (LEDs)-based PA imaging.