Studies indicate that erythrocytes often form rouleaux, which is stacks of Red Blood Cells (RBC) or RBC clump formed due to electrostatic interactions, during progressive injuries such as burns [3]. Correlation studies indicate that rouleaux formations impede blood flow and lead to progressive formation of ischemic zones, due to capillary blockage within the initial 72 hours of the burn injury [2]. Such ischemic conditions are also directly related to localized hyperthermic circulatory failure [3]. In addition, temperature and circulatory flow regulation are basis of prominent surgical units such as electrosurgical units [1]. Therefore, further understanding temperature and RBC electrostatic interactions will help improve current burn treatments and increase surgical equipment safety.

              We plan on using a microchannel system, which allow precise hematocrit, temperature, particle type, and microchannel size and shape regulation, to simulate blood flow. This heated mirochannel system will allow us to identify and monitor temperature ranges that result in clumping of RBCs, alter rheological factors, and prevent blood flow.


References:

1] Battig, Charles G.. “Electrosurgical Burn Injuries and Their Prevention.” JAMA. 1968; 204(12):1025-1029.

2] Heimbach, David; Engrav, Loren; Grube, Baiba; Marvin, Janet. “Burn Depth: A Review” World Journal of Surgery 16, 10-15, 1992

3] Roos, A. ; Weisiger, J.R.; Mortiz, A.R.. “Physiological mechanisms responsible for death during cutaneous exposure to excessive heat.” Studies of thermal injury VII. Dec. 1946. 505- 519