Case study shows how SFDI measures vascular steal in a post-surgical diabetic foot flap

Irvine, CA—April 1, 2021

Tissue flaps are commonly used in limb salvage to heal wounds and prevent amputations. Patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease (PAD), neurologic function, and diabetes mellitus (DM) often have difficulty with adequate oxygenation and perfusion to the periphery, making the success rates of the flap difficult. This observational case study published by Dr. Armstrong’s team at USC measured the onset of ischemia in the forefoot using SFDI in the months following a reconstructive flap procedure done on the patient’s heel due to vascular steal. This ischemia eventually lead to an amputation.

The study was published by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of a podiatrist, vascular surgeon, plastic surgeon, and researchers. Although observational, SFDI was demonstrated as a tool that can be useful to evaluate microvascular oxygenation and perfusion by a multi-disciplinary team throughout the flap healing process.  The article stated how the patient’s microvascular status, mediated by SFDI, can serve as a valuable adjunct to conventional vascular testing throughout the patient journey. This information can aide a team of  clinicians performing critical surgery on high-risk patients as they try to maximize their efforts to prevent amputations.

Link to publication here: https://academic.oup.com/jscr/article/2021/3/rjab067/6179387

About Modulim

Modulim is a privately held medical device company founded by the inventors of SFDI at the University of California Irvine with a team dedicated to delivering powerful healthcare solutions that elevate and standardize health care delivery, while improving patient outcomes. Its mission is to deliver transformative optical solutions that help people live healthier, longer lives. Clarifi®, powered by Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI) technology, identifies compromised circulation at the point of care through non-contact rapid microvascular assessment of tissue. Clinicians and healthcare systems are empowered by SFDI images to make proactive, data-driven decisions in a multidisciplinary care setting, to reduce lower-limb complications caused by diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. Clarifi Imaging System is an FDA cleared and CE Marked product. Modulim is backed by Pangaea Ventures, Fresenius Medical Care Ventures, Grey Sky Venture Partners, Mitsubishi Capital, Hamamatsu Photonics, The Cove Fund at UCI Applied Innovation, and Fouse KK. Clarifi is a registered trademark of Modulated Imaging (dba Modulim).

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gmarston@modulim.com