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Case Study/Series
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Pain Relief, Increased Healing and Successful Wound Bed Preparation with a Novel Ultrasonic Debridement Device First Author: Sharon Ahlbrand, RN Authors: Sharon Ahlbrand, RN, Oscar Gamble, PT, Leonard Benitez, MD, FACS, Narmo Ortiz, DPM, FACSAS, Stephen Schroering, MD, Debashish Chakravarthy, PhD, FAPWCA, and Cynthia Fleck MBA, BSN, RN, ET/WOCN, CWS, DNC, DAPWCA, FCCWS Background: Wound bed preparation remains the mainstay of chronic wound management and successful outcomes. A new ultrasonic debridement tool* was trialed with success in the following case series. Problem: Sharps debridement, although effective, can be painful and cause bleeding and discomfort. Patient-centered concerns include acute cyclic, acute non-cyclic and persistent/chronic pain, with patients often failing to return for clinic visits secondary to these issues. Objective: Collect data from multiple patients regarding pain, bleeding and overall wound outcomes using the new ultrasonic debridement system. Methodology: Three patients with incalcitrant wounds were chosen to trial the ultrasonic debridement system. The portable system consists of electromechanical components designed to ultrasonically fragment the necrotic tissue from the wound bed and non-migratory cells from the ulcer edge while irrigation at the probe tip enables the tissue to be flushed from the site. Results: All patients experienced a substantial decrease in pain both during and after the debridement procedure and experienced very little bleeding. The stalled-out wounds were effectively debrided and began immediate granulation. The system was effective for removal of necrotic tissue and fibrin while sparing the viable tissue. Compared to other methods of debridement, the clinicians were able to be more selective in removal of viable versus non-viable tissue. Conclusion: The new ultrasonic debridement system provides excellent wound bed preparation, decreases the patient's pain and bleeding normally associated with sharps debridement, and their wounds experienced improved healing and closure. |
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