Healing Effects of a Lower Extremity Warming Device

Introduction: The effects of warming on wound healing include improved blood flow, oxygen tension, collagen deposition and neutrophil and fibroblast function. ¹

Objective: To evaluate wound healing effects of a novel lower extremity boot device (LEBD)* designed to provide wound warming to lower extremities (LE).

Method: The LEBD was applied to the LE of 10 patients with a total of 11 wounds failing moist wound healing topical therapies combined with optimal systemic patient management (e.g. control of blood sugar, compression) without warming. Wound measurements were done prior to application, on Day 3 and weekly thereafter until healing or 2 consecutive weeks of no wound improvement for up to 90 days.

Outcome: 100% of wounds improved within two weeks as demonstrated by decreased wound measurements or improved wound bed tissue characteristics. 60% obtained full closure within 81 days (range 18-81). 20% initially improved but had no improvement on Days 21 and 28 and, in these cases, the device was discontinued. 20% continued to improve, but had not achieved full closure by Day 90. There were no adverse events, including infection.

Conclusion: Use of a LEBD is a viable option to improve clinical outcomes in recalcitrant LE wounds, supporting earlier studies.^2,3  Further study is warranted.

*Kerraboot®, Ark Therapeutics LTD,,