Mechanical Regulation of Burn Wound Scarring through Compression Garment Therapy

Engineering (The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum)Pressure garments have been utilized to prevent excessive scar tissue formation following severe burn injury. These pressure garments are thought to constrict the flow of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the wound, limiting collagen synthesis to prevent scar tissue formation. Though pressure garments have been in use for 50 years, the efficacy of the therapy and optimal delivery protocol have not been identified. Optimal garment pressure and required wear duration are two key aspects that have not been previously determined. The purpose of this study was to first examine common garment fabrics and determine which could deliver the most uniform levels of pressure as a function of time and laundering. After the best performing material was identified, the optimal time of pressure garment application post full-thickness burn injury was investigated. Current data suggest that the Powernet fabric delivers the greatest pressure to the burn and maintains this ability after repeated laundering. This fabric was used to fabricate compression garments for pigs. Compression garments consistently delivered 14-20 mmHg to the skin and were applied 7 or 45 days post injury with control injuries receiving no therapy. After 150 days, the pigs were euthanized and biopsied. Wound photographs and biopsies currently being analyzed to quantify the collagen I & III content of the dermis, wound contraction, immune response, wound mechanics, and vascular network. These data will ultimately be used to optimize the protocol for greatest clinical efficacy and patient comfort.Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenAcademic Major: Biomedical Engineerin