American journal of surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Local radiant heating increases subcutaneous oxygen tension.
We evaluated a novel bandage that incorporates a thermostatically controlled radiant heater. We first determined optimal bandage temperature, based on increases in subcutaneous oxygen tension, a measure correlating well with resistance to infection and wound strength. We then tested the hypothesis that prolonged radiant heating would increase collagen deposition in experimental thigh wounds. ⋯ Our data suggest that radiant heating at 38 degrees C significantly increases subcutaneous oxygen tension, and presumably resistance to infection. However, prolonged heating at this temperature does not increase wound collagen deposition.