Experimental Electrical Burns: Low Voltage

Abstract

Low-voltage electrical burns were studied in 25 pigs submitted to bilateral thigh burns using 500 volts AC for 10 seconds. In a group of 6 animals, the wounds were observed and histologic specimens obtained at different intervals during the first week. The burn measured approximately 4 cm in diameter and extended through two muscle layers. This tissue underwent further necrosis during the first 48 hours. After 2 days there was no further necrosis. In a second group, the wounds were debrided and covered with either a split-thickness skin graft or a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. All wounds with flap coverage healed primarily and there was no deep necrosis. From our findings we conclude that debridement and definitive closure can safely be performed 2 days after low-voltage electrical burns.