A Retrospective Analysis of Acoustic Pressure Wound Therapy: Effects on the Healing Progression of Chronic Wounds

Abstract 

Background

Small clinical studies suggest adjunctive use of acoustic pressure wound therapy (APWT) may enhance wound healing, even in challenging patients. This noncontact low-frequency, nonthermal ultrasound therapy for assisting with the debridement of necrotic tissue from challenging wounds is generally better tolerated by patients for whom treatment-related wound pain, anticoagulation, or medical instability precludes sharp, surgical, or mechanical debridement.

Objective

To evaluate changes in amount of devitalized tissue, amount and type of wound drainage, and wound surface area after administration of APWT.

Design

Retrospective chart review of 48 consecutive patients treated with adjunctive APWT at a single center between January 2006 and October 2007.

Methods

Paired comparisons of baseline versus posttreatment values for wound area, tissue characteristics, drainage, and pain were analyzed. Time, frequency, and duration of APWT and treatment-related adverse events were collected.

Results

APWT was administered a mean of 2.1 times per week for a mean of 4.1 minutes per session. Mean duration of therapy was 5.5 weeks. Median wound area was reduced by 92% from baseline to end of APWT (6.2 cm² to 0.2 cm²,P < .0001). The proportion of wounds with >75% granulation tissue increased from 37% to 89% (P < .0001). The proportion of wounds without fibrin slough or eschar increased from 31% to 75% (P < .0001) and from 72% to 94% (P = .02), respectively.

Limitations

Retrospective design, lack of control group, small sample population.

Conclusion

As an adjunct to conventional wound management, APWT appears to improve parameters associated with wound healing, including increased tissue granulation, decreased necrotic tissue, and decreased wound area.

Keywords: Chronic wounds, Noncontact low-frequency, Ultrasound, Adjunctive therapy, Acoustic pressure wound therapy