Baseline incision characteristics and early scar maturation indices following cardiac device implantation.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-19-2021

Publication Title

Journal of arrhythmia

Abstract

Aims: Dermatologic evaluation for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has not been established. We sought to ascertain baseline wound scar features using quantifiable surgical tools and scar scales on post-CIED patients.

Methods: A single-center, prospective observational case-control study was performed where 92 study subjects (40 healthy volunteers and 52 post-CIED patients) completed the study. Durometer was used to quantify skin pliability before CIED placement, postprocedure, and 2 weeks postprocedure. Higher durometer readings signified reduced skin pliability. Durometer readings were compared to the patients' contralateral pectoral skin and to a healthy volunteer's cohort skin within the prepectoral region. Patient wounds were observed and graded using the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and Manchester Scar Scale (MSS).

Results: Baseline pectoral skin pliability readings were similar in healthy volunteers and CIED patient population. In comparison to preprocedural measurements, surgical site skin pliability decreased in postprocedural and 2 weeks follow-up time points (

Conclusions: Serial measurements could be of value for development of new strategies for cosmesis and improved wound healing.

Volume

37

Issue

2

First Page

400

Last Page

406

DOI

10.1002/joa3.12464

ISSN

1880-4276

PubMed ID

33850582

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