Electric current arterial injury: a laboratory model.

A laboratory model capable of creating reproducible, nonlethal, fourth-degree type electrical extremity burns in rats was developed. Fifty-seven rats were studied immediately after burn to 90 days after burn with microdissections, light microscopy, microangiography, and flow studies. Progressive necrosis was not observed. Minimal major vessel arterial injury was demonstrated. This significant finding supports the concept of early debridement and reconstruction to include possible free tissue transfer.