Multi-electrode radio frequency resurfacing of ex vivo human skin

BACKGROUND. A novel radio frequency multi-electrode surgical (MES) device h as produced minimal residual thermal collagen damage (RTCD) and rapid heali ng in treating articular cartilage. OBJECTIVE. TO assess the immediate tissue effects of the MES device on huma n 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 wit h manual debridement after the first passes. Dermal ablation was not readil y discernable even after 2 or 3 passes. The thickness of RTCD tended to inc rease with increased pass number. The mean thickness of this zone of damage d collagen measured 24-53 mu after 1, 63-83 IJ, after 2, and 80-97 mu 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 u nits, 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 tissu e effects favorable for effective cutaneous resurfacing and rapid postopera tive wound healing.