Therapeutic potential of a low-cost device for wound healing: a study of three cases of healing after lower-extremity amputation in patients with diabetes

Am J Ther. 2013 Jul-Aug;20(4):394-8. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0b013e318235f309.

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers constitute a tremendous challenge for patients, caregivers, and health care systems. The high incidence and high financial costs associated with their treatment have transformed them in a health and economic worldwide problem. The increase in population life expectancy and lifestyle changes have facilitated the spreading of diabetes, rising diabetic foot ulcer incidence. Only 60%-80% of the patients achieve healing of ulcers, and the incidence of a second ulcer, in the same or different site of the foot that has had a previous ulcer, is approximately 50% in 2-5 years. In addition, ulcers with duration longer than 4 weeks are commonly associated with bad results in healing and an increased risk of amputation. Three patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have been subjected to treatment with NL.1.2, a low-cost, biocompatible solid device that presented pro-angiogenic properties. The selected patients had undergone amputation, and their wounds, classified as Wagner II, did not show a significant progress in healing after a period of 2-5 months before treatment with NL.1.2. Complete closure of their wounds was achieved in 42-60 days.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amputation, Surgical / methods*
  • Biocompatible Materials / administration & dosage*
  • Biocompatible Materials / economics
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology
  • Diabetic Foot / surgery*
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / physiology*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials