Objective characterization of bruise evolution using photothermal depth profiling and Monte Carlo modeling

Luka Vidovič; Matija Milanič; Boris Majaron

doi:10.1117/1.JBO.20.1.017001

2 January 2015 Objective characterization of bruise evolution using photothermal depth profiling and Monte Carlo modeling

Luka Vidovič, Matija Milanič, Boris Majaron

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Journal of Biomedical Optics, Vol. 20, Issue 1, 017001 (January 2015). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.20.1.017001

Abstract

Pulsed photothermal radiometry (PPTR) allows noninvasive determination of laser-induced temperature depth profiles in optically scattering layered structures. The obtained profiles provide information on spatial distribution of selected chromophores such as melanin and hemoglobin in human skin. We apply the described approach to study time evolution of incidental bruises (hematomas) in human subjects. By combining numerical simulations of laser energy deposition in bruised skin with objective fitting of the predicted and measured PPTR signals, we can quantitatively characterize the key processes involved in bruise evolution (i.e., hemoglobin mass diffusion and biochemical decomposition). Simultaneous analysis of PPTR signals obtained at various times post injury provides an insight into the variations of these parameters during the bruise healing process. The presented methodology and results advance our understanding of the bruise evolution and represent an important step toward development of an objective technique for age determination of traumatic bruises in forensic medicine.

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Luka Vidovič, Matija Milanič, and Boris Majaron "Objective characterization of bruise evolution using photothermal depth profiling and Monte Carlo modeling," Journal of Biomedical Optics 20(1), 017001 (2 January 2015). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.20.1.017001

Published: 2 January 2015

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