Immediate evaluation of neovascularization in a grafted bilayered artificial dermis using laser Doppler imaging.

Abstract

A bilayered artificial dermis is widely applied for skin defects. Its collagen sponge is biodegraded and replaced with dermis-like tissue after application. There is no reliable method for quantitatively evaluating the blood flow of artificial dermis. In this study, we used laser Doppler imaging to evaluate the perfusion of artificial dermis. Twelve patients treated with artificial dermis and secondary skin grafting were included. We measured the perfusion unit just after application of artificial dermis, 1 week after, and before skin grafting. Secondary skin grafts of 6 patients took completely, and the others showed partial necrosis. Laser Doppler imaging could detect blood flow in the artificial dermis, and a significant difference was observed in perfusion units between the "complete take" group and "partial necrosis" group before grafting (P < 0.05). Laser Doppler imaging could be a useful and noninvasive technique for the evaluation of blood flow to the artificial dermis before grafting.