Microwave Treatment of Cold Injuries

Abstract

In spite of the fact that extremity frostbites are a widespread type of injuries in many countries, specialized equipment for frostbite treatment is lacking. Treatment is carried out by conservative methods. The best results are obtained by using thermal isolation of injured tissues and activation of internal warming. It is proposed to initiate deep warming of frostbitten extremities on exposure to low-power microwave radiation. A microwave chamber has been developed to implement this technique. The efficiency of the approach was earlier demonstrated on animals. An example is given of successful treatment of a cold injury of patient hands and feet that allowed amputation to be avoided.

Keywords: Amputation prevention; cold injury; drag and surgical treatment; extremity frostbites; microwave chamber; microwave radiation; microwave rewarming.