Acute and Chronic Wound Management: Assessment, Therapy and Monitoring Strategies

Abstract

The dynamic nature of the wound healing is a well-studied process. With the rapid evolution of healthcare science, efforts are being made to design newer therapies, along with advancement in the available technologies. In this regard, a detailed knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the healing process is necessary to develop a more effective and targeted therapeutic method. In addition to improve the therapeutic techniques, various wound healing models also need to be designed and studied for understanding the associated molecular intricacies of each phase of the healing process. Novel technologies are being combined with the long-practiced traditional therapeutic methods with the object of achieving a synergistic effect for faster healing with minimal scarring. With technological development, non-invasive wound assessment methods are being implemented by utilizing various imaging techniques and electromagnetic radiations, to minimize painful invasive wound analysis. Smart devices are also been developed with an aim to monitor the healing process in real time, which provides the ability to modulate treatment procedures according to the rate of healing. This chapter aims to give a brief overview on the emerging therapeutic methods which are being developed to aid in wound management strategies. An overview of the different invasive and non-invasive wound assessment and monitoring methods along with mathematically designed wound assessment models is also discussed in a nutshell. This would provide an idea about the possible areas for development on the currently available strategies for improving the healthcare and well-being of individuals.