Radiofrequency Energy Therapy of Venous Ulcers

Interested in whether radiofrequency energy stimulates healing, we reviewed nine venous ulcer patients treated with a Pulsed Radio Frequency Energy (PRFE)* device that emits pulsed 27.12MHz energy directly over wounds. PRFE therapy was performed twice daily for 30 minutes through multilayer compression bandages. The nine subjects represent everyone we have treated with PRFE for venous disease. All had ulcers attributable to venous insufficiency and concomitant weekly compression bandage changes. Average subject age was 65+9. Fourteen ulcers were treated (three subjects had 2 ulcers and one had 3 ulcers). The ulcers had been present for 4.4+4.3months (range 1 - 18). Three ulcers had recurred at the site of previous skin grafts. One subject had PAD (ABI<0.90), two were current smokers, and four had diabetes. Two had BMI greater than 40 and average BMI was 34+9. Five subjects were deemed to have intractable ulcers that had repeatedly failed other local care regimens. One subject underwent laser ablation of an incompetent saphenous vein during therapy – no other surgical interventions were performed.

Conclusion

These results are consistent with previous studies indicating PRFE stimulates wound healing, although currently marketed systems are only approved for management of edema and pain. Based on these results we are currently conducting a randomized, blinded, prospective trial of PRFE for stimulating venous ulcer healing.

Six subjects with 11 ulcers completely healed including two deemed intractable (3 ulcers). None of the other three including the laser ablation subject experienced complete healing, but average wound areas were reduced 82+23%. Average therapy duration for healed ulcers was 144+100 days and for those that failed to heal, 165+50 day. No subject experienced adverse events attributable to PRFE.