A Unique Combination of Infrared and Microwave Radiation Accelerates Wound Healing

Abstract

Light or electromagnetic radiation has been reported to enhance wound healing. The use of selected spectra, including infrared and microwave, has been described; however, no studies to date have examined the potential benefit of combining these spectra. In this study, a device that emits electromagnetic radiation across both the infrared and microwave ranges was used. To test the effects of this unique electromagnetic radiation spectrum on wound healing, two clinically relevant wound-healing models (i.e., tensile strength of simple incisions and survival of McFarlane flaps) were selected. After the creation of a simple full-thickness incision (n = 35 rats) or a caudally based McFarlane flap (n = 33 rats), animals were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: untreated control, infrared, or combined electromagnetic radiation. Treatment was administered for 30 minutes, twice daily for 18 days in animals with simple incisions, and 15 days in animals with McFarlane flaps. The wound area or flap was harvested and analyzed, blinded to the treatment regimens. A p value of less than 0.05 obtained by analysis of variance was considered to be statistically significant. Animals receiving combined electromagnetic radiation demonstrated increased tensile strength (2.62 N/mm2) compared with animals receiving infrared radiation (2.36 N/mm2) or untreated controls (1.73 N/mm2, p < 0.001). Animals with McFarlane flaps receiving combined electromagnetic radiation had increased flap survival (78.0 percent) compared with animals receiving infrared radiation (69.7 percent) and untreated controls (63.1 percent, p < 0.01). Thus, combined electromagnetic radiation provided a distinct advantage in wound healing that might augment current treatment regimens.

Non-Thermal Effects of Near-Infrared Irradiation on Melanoma

“…NIR irradiation induces strand breaks and apoptosis (Tirlapur & König, 2001) as well as cell death of cancer cells and bone marrow cells (Tanaka et al, 2010b(Tanaka et al, , 2011b. NIR irradiation is used as a therapeutic option in the treatment of wound healing disorders (Danno et al, 2001;Horwitz et al, 1999;Schramm et al, 2003) and malignant tumors (Bäumler et al, 1999;Dees et al, 2002;Kelleher et al, 1999;Orenstein et al, 1999). While NIR irradiation appears to damage tumor tissue, it has also been shown to reduce cellular protein damage produced by biological oxidants in normal cells (Kujawa et al, 2004).…”

“…disorders (Danno et al, 2001;Horwitz et al, 1999;Schramm et al, 2003) and malignant tumors (Bäumler et al, 1999;Kelleher et al, 1999;Dees et al, 2002;Orenstein et al, 1999). Despite the widespread therapeutic potential of NIR, the mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic actions of photobiomodulation with NIR have not been elucidated in detail.…”

Lichtalterung und infrarote Strahlung

“…Aktuelle Aspekte molekularer Mechanismen ligne Erkrankungen [4] bis hin zu Wundheilungsstörungen [10].Für die therapeutische Anwendung werden kurzwellige IR-Strahlen im so genannten IR-A-Bereich (760-1.400 nm) eingesetzt.Weiterhin wird der IR-Spektralbereich in IR-B (1.400-3.000 nm) und IR-C (3.000 nm-1 mm) unterteilt. Diese Einteilung korrespondiert insofern mit den biologischen Effekten der IR-Strahlung, als dass die Eindringtiefe in die Haut von der Wellenlänge abhängt.Während kurzwellige IR-A-Strahlung subkutane Gewebe erreicht,ohne eine deutliche Temperaturerhöhung an der Hautoberfläche zu verursachen, führt IR-C-Strahlung zur oberflächlichen Hauterwärmung bis hin zur Verbrennung.…”

The Necessity of Near-Infrared Protection

“…NIR can stimulate wound healing [8][9][10] and treat malignant tumors [11][12][13][14]. NIR can also achieve skin rejuvenation and skin tightening [7], induce long-lasting vasodilation that is beneficial for ischemic disorders [3,5], and relax and weaken dystonic and hypertrophic muscles to reduce wrinkles and myalgia [3,5].…”