Low-frequency ultrasound to manage chronic venous leg ulcers

Chronic leg ulceration costs the NHS around pound 500 million per year (Moffatt and Dorman, 1995) so it is not surprising that the condition attracts attention from manufacturers of medical devices. However, the evidence available for many novel technologies is scant and a systematic approach to product evaluation is essential to avoid the adoption of ineffective and therefore costly measures. A low-frequency ultrasound device was presented in clinic as an aid to stimulate and accelerate healing in otherwise recalcitrant wounds. There followed a systematic evaluation of the product including a literature review of the mode of action, safety and efficacy, followed finally by a product evaluation with case studies used as outcome measures. In this case, the product proved to be a useful tool in the management of chronic wounds, not only for healing but also for pain, pigmentation and odour reduction. The importance of understanding fully a novel technology and how it fits with clinical practice cannot be underestimated.