Multi-electrode radio frequency resurfacing of ex vivo human skin.
BACKGROUND
A novel radio frequency multi-electrode surgical (MES) device has produced minimal residual thermal collagen damage (RTCD) and rapid healing in treating articular cartilage.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the immediate tissue effects of the MES device on human skin.


METHODS
Specimens of ex vivo human skin were subjected to 1 to 3 passes of the device at 3 voltage settings, then processed for routine and polarized light microscopy. The degree of tissue ablation, amount of RTCD, and level of follicular injury were assessed.


RESULTS
Epidermal ablation did not occur; epidermal removal correlated with manual debridement after the first passes. Dermal ablation was not readily discernable even after 2 or 3 passes. The thickness of RTCD tended to increase with increased pass number. The mean thickness of this zone of damaged collagen measured 24-53 micro after 1, 63-83 micro after 2, and 80-97 micro after 3 passes, respectively. For a given number of passes, the thickness of the zone of RTCD did not consistently change with increasing voltage applied (86, 108, and 139 V). The small number of samples did not enable meaningful statistical analysis of these observations. In samples with pilosebaceous units, the electrosurgical keratinocyte injury extended down the follicular epithelium, but never beyond the level of the infundibulum.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest the MES device produces immediate tissue effects favorable for effective cutaneous resurfacing and rapid postoperative wound healing.
Tope
W D
WD
Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
D001132:Arm; D001940:Breast; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D020405:Dermis / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D004566:Electrodes; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*