Controlled environment treatment (CET)

The use of a new method of improving certain physical aspects of the environment imposed on the extremity is discussed. This follows the use of Controlled Environment Treatment in amputation surgery and other specific Centres in the United Kingdom and United States of America. The protocol did not attempt to establish any system of controls, the results being based on observation and clinical impression. In other words it is an extension of CET use in an attempt to obtain a wider experience of its application. One hundrec ases involving 128 treatments are listed over a wide variety of clinical presentations. Recordings were made of the presence or absence of oedema, infection, ischaemia and pain, amongst other relevant data. Certain conclusions proved possible and staff acceptance of the system was obtained. The evidence suggests that the continued use of CET is justified in certain carefully selected clinical conditions. Further, it appears necessary to set up controlled scientific assessments of the system particularly within vascular laboratories where many relevant investigative procedures are carried out on a routine basis.