Objective determination of heart failure grade using short wave infrared (SWIR) molecular chemical imaging (Conference Presentation)

Heart failure (HF) occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet blood and oxygen requirements and is among the most common causes for hospitalization in the United States. A retrospective analysis determined that 22% of HF patients are readmitted within 30 days of release from the hospital, and the costs for readmission are substantial. Measuring the severity of peripheral edema is one method for monitoring the treatment of a HF patient. Pitting peripheral edema is a subjective measure administered by clinicians who create an indentation mid-tibia and observe depth and time to resolve the indentation. The results are graded 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and this information is used in the patient treatment plan. ChemImage is engaged in a clinical study to determine whether Molecular Chemical Imaging (MCI) in the short wave infrared (SWIR) spectral region can provide an objective measure of peripheral edema in HF patients. In this paper, the performance of SWIR MCI for discriminating between healthy volunteers and HF patients with high grade pitting edema will be presented. This technology may provide a non-invasive methodology for quantitative peripheral edema measurement. As the technology matures, it is envisioned patient self-monitoring, with wireless transmission of edema levels while at home, can aid clinicians in monitoring HF patients for necessary treatment changes remotely, to improve patient outcomes, and ultimately, reduce HF hospital readmission rates.