Investigation of the mechanical properties of pathological scars using suction-based Optical
Coherence Elastography

Stiffness and elasticity are important parameters in skin research and clinical practice. These biomechanical factors are affected by both physiological and pathological changes, of which scarring is the most common cause. Increased stiffness in scars is a major part of the disease burden in the case of hypertrophic scarring and keloids(1), and is therefore a target for multiple therapies aimed at decreasing stiffness and increasing elasticity. Objective quantification of the biomechanical characteristics of skin may be improved by a multimodal approach: by combining suction-based deformation with Optical Coherence Tomography imaging. This combination will be tested in this research project.

Feasiblity study for new medical device

1 timepoint, potential subjects are asked to participate after their scheduled outpatient appointment. If subjects are willing to participate, primary and secondary outcomes are assessed by measurement with new device (OCE elastometer), old device (Cutometer), and subjects are asked to fill in Patient scale of the Patient and observer scale assessment scale (POSAS). A comparison of the two devices will be made. Validity of the new device will be made by comparing to stiffness item of the POSAS

Measurement with new medical device