Effects of early combinatorial treatment of autologous split-thickness skin grafts in red Duroc pig model using pulsed dye laser and fractional CO2 laser

Eight female Duroc pigs received 4 standardized, 1 in. x 1 in. third degree burns that were excised and autografted. Wound sites were treated with 3 fractional CO2RE treatments, Vbeam treatments or combined treatments. All treatment modalities resulted in significantly less contraction versus skin graft only controls. Scars treated with the CO2RE system were visually smoother, contained significantly fewer wrinkles and hyperpigmentation was significantly reduced. 

Reference: Bailey JK, Blackstone BB, DeBruler DM, et al. Lasers Surg Med 2018 Jan;50(1):78-87.

Study Details:

  • 8 female red Duroc pigs (FRDP) received 4 standardized, 1 in. x 1 in. third degree burns that were excised and autografted
  • Wound sites were treated as follows: fractional CO2 (CO2RE) at 70mJ setting and 396J/cm2 fluence, 150 μm spot diameter, 5% fractional coverage; PDL (Vbeam®) at 5-6J/cm2, 10 mm spot size, 0.45ms pulse duration, and DCD 30/20ms or both (PDL followed by fractional CO2)
  • 3 treatments at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post grafting. Grafts receiving no laser therapy served as controls
  • Scar appearance, morphology, size, and erythema were assessed, and punch biopsies collected at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16

Study Results:

  • Treatment with PDL, FX CO2, or PDL + FX CO2resulted in significantly less contraction versus skin graft only controls. No statistically significant difference among laser therapy groups
  • Scars treated with the CO2RE system were visually smoother and contained significantly fewer wrinkles
  • Hyperpigmentation was significantly reduced in scars treated with the CO2RE system