Michael Maier1. 1. Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. maierm@ccf.org
Abstract
SETTING: Chronic cutaneous wounds may cause considerable pain, often affecting patient compliance with necessary treatment protocols. PATIENTS: Two patients are presented who were unable to comply with compression therapy because of severe wound pain. INTERVENTION: Adjunctive pulsed radio frequency energy was administered for 30 minutes twice daily through an applicator pad placed directly on the dressing over the wound area. RESULTS: Both patients reported immediate, marked pain reduction, allowing compression therapy. The ulcers healed completely within 3 weeks for patient 1 and 28 weeks for patient 2. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation into the efficacy of pulsed radio frequency energy for the treatment of painful wounds is warranted. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SETTING: Chronic cutaneous wounds may cause considerable pain, often affecting patient compliance with necessary treatment protocols. PATIENTS: Two patients are presented who were unable to comply with compression therapy because of severe wound pain. INTERVENTION: Adjunctive pulsed radio frequency energy was administered for 30 minutes twice daily through an applicator pad placed directly on the dressing over the wound area. RESULTS: Both patients reported immediate, marked pain reduction, allowing compression therapy. The ulcers healed completely within 3 weeks for patient 1 and 28 weeks for patient 2. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation into the efficacy of pulsed radio frequency energy for the treatment of painful wounds is warranted. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.