Ultrasonic Debridement as a New Treatment Tool for Chronic Wound Bed Preparation: A Case Study

Abstract

A debridement method that causes minimal damage to normal tissue during the removal of necrotic tissue is important for chronic wound healing. A new instrument based on low-frequency ultrasound, the Misonix SonicOne O.R. System ® (Bioventus, Farmingdale, NY, USA), creates 22.5 kHz ultrasound waves that cause cavitation or oscillating micro-gas bubbles to debride unhealthy tissue. The device was used for debridement on nine patients with chronic wounds of varying etiology: two patients with decubitus ulcers, one patient with a crush injury, and seven patients with burns. The eschar and unhealthy granulation tissue were removed effectively with no damage to normal skin and soft tissue. No bleeding complications occurred and postoperative analgesics were not required. Compared to surgical debridement, the low-frequency ultrasound device was effective, easy and safe to use, and caused less pain and bleeding. It can be recommended as a treatment method for chronic wounds, comparable to surgical wound debridement.