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Case Study/Series
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Low-frequency ultrasound therapy evaluated in patients with nonhealing wounds and vascular insufficiency First Author: Deborah Caswell Authors: Deborah Caswell, RN, NP-C This case series describes the course and outcomes of noncontact, low-frequency, therapeutic ultrasound treatments in 3 consenting patients with severe, nonhealing wounds and significant peripheral arterial disease. Clinical effectiveness of ultrasound treatment was assessed through changes in wound tissues, dimensions, drainage, bacterial cultures, and pain. Patient #1 had 3 infected wounds, 2 with exposed bone on left lower extremity; diabetes; severe peripheral vascular disease (PVD); congestive heart failure; renal insufficiency; lower extremity paralysis secondary to stroke; and multiple toe amputations across both feet. Patient #2 had a necrotic, dehisced, forefoot amputation due to lower limb ischemia, wound exposed to the bone; diabetes; significant PVD; and multiple angioplasty revascularizations. Patient #3 was 91-years-old, had a painful, necrotic, lateral calf wound caused by an accident, and advanced arterial occlusive disease. Following 17-49 ultrasound treatments, 3-8 minutes each, over 11-15 weeks, depending on wound size, all wounds markedly decreased in dimensions, drainage, pain, and bacterial burden; and granulation tissue rapidly increased, even over bone. In this case series, low-frequency, therapeutic ultrasound was associated with rapid healing of severe nonhealing wounds in patients with significant arterial insufficiency preventing amputations and/or bypass surgeries. |
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