Development of a new miniature method for the study of wound healing in human subjects

A new miniaturized method for evaluation of healing potential in human subjects has been developed. A small, standardized, subcutaneous wound is made in a standard location. Expanded PTFE tubing is placed in the wound and removed at specific intervals. The ingrowth of connective tissue is evaluated by histology and by measurement of hydroxyproline accumulation. Beginning on the fifth day, hydroxyproline accumulation correlates with visual accumulation of tissue in the tubing. Preliminary results show decreased hydroxyproline accumulation in the wounds of patients with preoperative debility. This is to be expected on the basis of previous clinical experience and laboratory studies. This method has the further advantage that the catheters may be placed with local anesthesia in outpatients and therefore may be applied systematically to populations, as well as for observation in patients requiring operation.