Practice Innovations
As a part of the admission skin assessment, LWIT images were taken of complex open wounds to provide photographic and thermographic images and establish a baseline. Upon reviewing the images, the wound care team was able to measure and determine treatment measures based on LWIT findings. The patient was placed on a specialty bed for pressure redistribution. The wound care team implemented a treatment regimen that included hydrophilic paste for autolytic debridement and sodium hypochlorite washouts and then reassessed the patient based on their care plan. Serial LWIT Images were taken weekly to evaluate the progress and update treatment plans. During the patient’s 37 day stay the following outcomes were achieved: ● Unstageable Gluteal Region: Wound Size decreased from 136 sq cm to 49.5 sq cm, a 63.6% reduction in wound size. Thermographically the temperature went from -3.8 C to -1.9 a 50% increase in temperature leading toward normalization. ● Full Thickness Groin Surgical Wound: Wound size decreased from 64.5 sq cm, and 9 cm depth to 41.9 sq cm, and 5 cm depth, resulting in 35.1% size reduction and 44.4% depth reduction. Thermographically the temperature went from 4.1 C down to 2.3 C, resulting 43.9% temperature reduction toward normalization. A 59-year-old female admitted with sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, respiratory/renal failure. Large full thickness surgical wound in groin and a stage 4 PI on right gluteal region present. LWIT images taken during patient care to assess areas thermographically. Initial images showed hypoperfusion on the right gluteal region and ischium. Significant signs of inflammation/hyperperfusion present on right groin. IV Vancomycin initiated and patient was placed on pressure redistribution surface with wound care consultation. The wound care team initiated treatment. Visually the wound size decreased, and granulation tissue formed. By using LWIT, improvement was visualized thermographically as evidenced by the normalization of temperatures.
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