Electrochemical Therapy of In Vivo Rabbit Cutaneous Tissue

• Published in: The Laryngoscope Vol. 131; no. 7; pp. E2196 - E2203
• Main Authors: Hong, Ellen M., Pham, Tiffany T., Seo, Soohong, Moy, Wesley J., Borden, Pamela, Hansen, Kyle, Kim, Sehwan, Mo, Ji‐Hun, Wong, Brian J. F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01-07-2021; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Electrochemical therapy; Laryngoscopy; scar revision; skin; skin rejuvenation; Ultrasonic imaging; skin; Electrochemical therapy; skin rejuvenation; scar revision
• ISSN: 0023-852X; 1531-4995
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.29461

Objectives
To examine the acid‐base and histological changes in in vivo rabbit cutaneous tissue after electrochemical therapy.
Study Design
In vivo rabbit tissue study.
Methods
The shaved skin on the backs of female Oryctolagus cuniculi were assigned to treatments with or without tumescence with normal saline. Two platinum‐needle electrodes were inserted into each treatment area and connected to a direct current (DC) power supply. Voltage (3–5 V) was varied and applied for 5 minutes. The wound‐healing process was monitored via digital photography and ultrasonography until euthanasia at day 29. Treatment areas were biopsied, and specimens were sectioned through a sagittal midline across both electrode insertion sites. Samples were then evaluated utilizing light microscopy (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and Picrosirius red).
Results
Treatment sites developed mild inflammation that dissipated at lower voltages or became scabs at higher voltages. Ultrasonography demonstrated acoustic shadowing with spatial spread that increased with increasing voltage application. The 4‐ and 5‐V sites treated with saline had localized areas of increased tissue density at day 29. Although specimens treated with 3 V did not look significantly different from control tissue, 4‐ and 5‐V samples with and without saline tumescence had finer, less‐organized collagen fibers and increased presence of fibrocytes and inflammatory infiltrates.
Conclusions
Electrochemical therapy caused localized injury to in vivo rabbit cutaneous tissue, prompting regenerative wound repair. With future development, this technology may offer precise, low‐cost rejuvenation to restore the functionality and appearance of dermal scars and keloids.
Level of Evidence
NA Laryngoscope, 131:E2196–E2203, 2021