Local heat increases blood flow and oxygen tension in wounds
J. M. Rabkin and T. K. Hunt
The effect of local hyperthermia on subcutaneous tissue oxygen tension
(Psqo2) and perfusion was investigated in eight patients (13 trials) using
a subcutaneously implanted oxygen tonometer. Application of heat increased
subcutaneous tissue temperature and Psqo2. Mean Psqo2 during oxygen
breathing rose by 39.5 mm Hg, an 80% increase over the average baseline
Psqo2. The corresponding mean subcutaneous temperature increased 4.0
degrees C. A significant linear correlation was found between the change in
Psqo2 and subcutaneous temperature. There was an average threefold increase
in local perfusion estimated by using the Fick principle. The data reaffirm
the value of local hyperthermia in treating contaminated wounds and suggest
a mechanism for its ability to ameliorate infections. The mechanism implies
that local heat may have prophylactic value as well.
