Text Box: Healing the Chronic Wounds The most common areas on the body where pressure sores develop are the sacrum (buttocks), ischium (hip area), trochanters (the upper thigh), and around the ankles and heels. They occur primarily due to extended periods of immobility or irritant chafing of the skin. The process of healing a wound is a dynamic repair method. It consists of three defined phases 1) inflammatory, 2) proliferation and 3) maturation. To progress normally, each phase consists of a unique cellular interaction. There has been much progress in the treatment of pressure ulcers. According to Dr. Kath Bogie, a prominent researcher in this area, “as multidisciplinary research and care increases, so, too, will the evidence base required to address these common and complex, chronic wounds.” Progress has been made in dressings, creams, gels and technology. One prevalent area of technology is the use of electrical stimulation. Alternative therapies such as ultrasound, ultraviolet light, superficial heating, pulsed electromagnetic fields, and electrical stimulation have all been studied in the treatment of chronic wounds. Let’s focus on the last treatment mentioned, electrical stimulation. Over the past decade, much research has been conducted in the use of electrical stimulation to treat pressure ulcers. Research published by Luther Kloth of Marquette University explains the basis of using electrical stimulation for the treatment of chronic wounds. “The treatment goal for electrical stimulation is to attract negatively or positively charged cells into the wound area, such as neutrophins, macrophages, epidermal cells and fibroblasts that in turn will contribute to wound healing processes by way of their individual cellular activities.”1 The application of electrical stimulation for wound healing has been found to significantly increase the healing rate and be effective in a large number of cases. Several studies seek to prove the effectiveness and safety of electrical stimulation in the treatment of chronic wounds. In essence, external stimulation may serve to mimic the failed natural bioelectric currents which allow wound healing to proceed. It has also been proven that given daily, electrical stimulation is effective for enhanced healing rates. However, the success of electrical stimulation is not for every wound. It is dependent to diagnosis, depth of lesion, and severity of infection. As a treatment option electrical stimulation is easy to apply and can be used by a person at home following instruction from a medical doctor or therapist experienced with electrical stimulation and the treatment of pressure ulcers. To consider this treatment, discuss it with a medical professional prior to beginning any treatment. In addition, practical issues such as cost, time, required training, and patient and therapist safety concerns need to be discussed and addressed. Local or regional insurance coverage may be available however nationally the Center for Medicare and Medicaid does not cover electrical stimulation for wound healing. As of this writing, we have not been able to find many devices yet approved by the FDA specifically for wound healing, although several devices approved for other indications are being applied for this purpose via off-label use. One device (the Staodyn Dermapulse) has undergone controlled animal and human testing, and an application requesting approval for treating dermal ulcers has been submitted to FDA. There is also an “electric bandage” offered by Biofiscia; however, it is only available for commercial use in Europe and Canada. With this in mind, there are several clinical trials and devices in development supported by the many years of research. 1 Kloth L.C. (1995) Physical modalities in wound management: UVC, therapeutic heating and electrical stimulation. Ostomy. Wound. Manage. 41, 18-4, 26.

Educate: Pressure Sore Healing & Prevention

Educate: Pressure Sore Healing & Prevention

1

Personal Experience: Dr. Martyn Butcher

2

On the Horizon: Updates in the World of Neurotech

3

Resources for Chronic Wound Healing & Prevention Muscles

3

Give up Google and Go with GoodSearch

3

Neurotech at Working 2 Walk

3

Neurotech Executives Descend on Washington

4

Wounds that can take you out