News: Shockwave technology impresses in Diabetic Foot Ulcer clinical trial
Shockwave technology impresses in Diabetic Foot Ulcer clinical trial
A brand-new clinical trial has shown that Extracorporeal Shockwave technology – as used in the Swiss DolorClast treatment device – is extremely effective when treating diabetic foot ulcers when delivered with ultrasound guidance.
The ‘Molecular Changes in Diabetic Foot Ulcers’ clinical trial was based in Taiwan and was published in the online edition of Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice last month (October 2011).
The trial compared the clinical results in two patient groups: one that was treated with Extracorporeal Shockwave technology and the other that received a course of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) treatment.
The patients in the Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy cohort received two, 20-minute treatments each week for a three-week period, while those in the HBOT cohort received five, 90-minute treatments each week for eight weeks.
The results of the trial showed that 57% of the Diabetic Foot Ulcers in the ESWT cohort healed completely, compared to just 25% in the HBOT group.
One course of treatment in the ESWT cohort was enough to completely heal 24 Diabetic Foot Ulcers, compared to just 10 in the HBOT group.
Also, to achieve complete healing the ESWT treatment process took 97% less time than it did when using HBOT.
Spectrum Technology Managing Partner, Jim Westwood, said: “This trial adds further weight to the belief that ESWT is a good clinical solution when treating DFUs.
“We are working closely with Electro Medical Systems (the manufacturer of the Swiss DolorClast) to gather our own data about DFU treatment and the early indications are that the results will be in keeping with the outcome of this trial.”
To speak to Spectrum Technology about treating DFUs with Extracorporeal Shockwave technology, click here info@spectrumtechnologyuk.com.