Hyperspectral imaging-based wound analysis using mixture-tuned matched filtering classification method

Hyperspectral imaging is a technology that is beginning to occupy an important place in medical research with good prospects in future clinical applications. We evaluated the role of hyperspectral imaging in association with a mixture-tuned matched filtering method in the characterization of open wounds. The methodology and the processing steps of the hyperspectral image that have been performed in order to obtain the most useful information about the wound are described in detail. Correlations between the hyperspectral image and clinical examination are described, leading to a pattern that permits relative evaluation of the square area of the wound and its different components in comparison with the surrounding normal skin. Our results showed that the described method can identify different types of tissues that are present in the wounded area and can objectively measure their respective abundance, which proves its value in wound characterization. In conclusion, the method that was described in this preliminary case presentation shows promising results, but needs further evaluation in order to become a reliable and useful tool.