Latest Advances in Wound Debridement Techniques

The surgical surgical debridement of wounds has evolved over the past 250 years. At that time, the amputation of extremities was recognized as a life-saving procedure to treat major wounds suffered in combat. This continued until after World War I. As the survival of patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions improved, and as advanced therapies were developed to meet the needs of an increasing number of patients with chronic wounds, debridement became a focal point of surgical wound care. It is now well-established that debridement enhances wound-healing and improves the efficacy of advanced therapies and surgical closure. Up until the last two decades, sharp excision with "cold steel" was the only option for debridement. In the early 2000's, a high-power waterjet was introduced, and provided a more precise debridement of wound surfaces. As our understanding of biofilms increased, so came the realization that biofilms are stratified within the wound, with anaerobic species preferentially developing deeper within the wound. The latest surgical instrument for wound debridement, the direct contact low frequency ultrasound device (DCLFU), has recently been introduced. A vacuum sheath was added to the active tip to contain spray dispersion. The device is capable of removing all of the wound tissue including biofilm down to a healthy base. This allows for optimal preparation of the wound prior to deployment of an advanced therapy, graft, or flap. This instrumentation is designed specifically for use in the operating room. However, the manufacturer has recently introduced a less powerful, but still effective, version for use in the outpatient clinic. These advances in surgical debridement technology have paved the way for more effective subsequent interventions for treating chronic wounds.