A Unique Combination of Infrared and Microwave Radiation Accelerates Wound Healing

• Published in: Plastic and reconstructive surgery (1963) Vol. 111; no. 1; pp. 258 - 266
• Main Authors: Schramm, Mark J, Warner, Dave, Hardesty, Robert A, Oberg, Kerby C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Society of Plastic Surgeons 01-01-2003
• ISSN: 0032-1052; 1529-4242
• DOI: 10.1097/01.PRS.0000033065.10876.2E

Light or electromagnetic radiation has been reported to enhance wound healing. The use of selected spectra, including infrared and microwave, has been described; however, no studies to date have examined the potential benefit of combining these spectra. In this study, a device that emits electromagnetic radiation across both the infrared and microwave ranges was used. To test the effects of this unique electromagnetic radiation spectrum on wound healing, two clinically relevant wound-healing models (i.e., tensile strength of simple incisions and survival of McFarlane flaps) were selected. After the creation of a simple full-thickness incision (n = 35 rats) or a caudally based McFarlane flap (n = 33 rats), animals were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groupsuntreated control, infrared, or combined electromagnetic radiation. Treatment was administered for 30 minutes, twice daily for 18 days in animals with simple incisions, and 15 days in animals with McFarlane flaps. The wound area or flap was harvested and analyzed, blinded to the treatment regimens. A p value of less than 0.05 obtained by analysis of variance was considered to be statistically significant. Animals receiving combined electromagnetic radiation demonstrated increased tensile strength (2.62 N/mm) compared with animals receiving infrared radiation (2.36 N/mm) or untreated controls (1.73 N/mm, p < 0.001). Animals with McFarlane flaps receiving combined electromagnetic radiation had increased flap survival (78.0 percent) compared with animals receiving infrared radiation (69.7 percent) and untreated controls (63.1 percent, p < 0.01). Thus, combined electromagnetic radiation provided a distinct advantage in wound healing that might augment current treatment regimens. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 111258, 2003.)