Concurrent Optical- and Magnetic-Stimulation-Induced Changes on Wound Healing Parameters, Analyzed by Hyperspectral...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Wound Healing Research
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Delayed wound healing is often caused by edema and poor perfusion, linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction offers a potential treatment strategy for non-healing wounds.
• This study explored the impact of COMS on edema and perfusion in chronic wounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of concurrent optical and magnetic stimulation (COMS) on tissue oxygenation and water index in chronic leg and foot ulcers.
• To assess the short- and long-term hemodynamic and immunomodulatory effects of COMS therapy.
• To evaluate COMS as an adjunct to Standard of Care (SOC) for therapy-refractory wounds.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center, prospective, comparative clinical trial involving eleven patients with chronic leg and foot ulcers.
• COMS therapy was administered additively to Standard of Care (SOC).
• Hyperspectral imaging was used to measure tissue oxygenation and water index before and after treatment.

Main Results:

• At 12 weeks, 64% of patients achieved near-complete wound closure and 45% achieved complete closure.
• COMS therapy increased short-term tissue oxygenation during the 8-week treatment phase.
• A decrease in tissue water content was observed post-therapy, with water levels accumulating between visits.

Conclusions:

• COMS therapy, as an adjunct to SOC, demonstrated a positive short-term impact on inflammation and tissue oxygenation in chronic wounds.
• The findings support the safety and effectiveness of COMS therapy, particularly for stagnant wounds.
• COMS may facilitate the transition from the inflammatory phase to the healing phase in chronic wounds.