Low frequency (20 kHz), patch-like ultrasound applicator for chronic wound treatment

Abstract

Chronic wounds, such as venous and diabetic ulcers, cost the U.S healthcare system alone, close to $25 billion annually. Hence, a reduction of healing time directly translates into savings of treatment related expenses. This work describes the implementation of patch-like, un-tethered and clinically viable therapeutic ultrasound applicator. The device uses well-defined non-cavitational and non-thermal levels of ultrasound energy; its peak acoustic output pressure amplitude was intentionally limited to 55 kPa, corresponding to a spatial peak temporal peak intensity of 100 mW/cm2. A small (n = 8) pilot study targeting diabetic ulcers treatment was performed and indicated that with its light weight (<20g), and circular (40 mm dia) disk shape architecture this applicator is suitable to be embedded in wound dressing. The average time to wound closure was 4.7 weeks for subjects treated with the active device, compared to 12 weeks for subjects treated with a sham applicator, suggesting that patients with diabetic ulcers may benefit from the proposed treatment. [Work supported by the NINR grant5R01NR015995. The contents of this presentation are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.]