Chapters authored
Topical Wound Oxygen Versus Conventional Compression Dressings in the Management of Refractory Venous Ulcers
Topical wound oxygen (TWO2) proposes an innovative therapy option in the management of refractory non-healing venous ulcers (RVU) that aims to accelerate wound healing. TWO2 accelerates epithelialisation. This leads to the development of a higher tensile strength collagen, which lessens scarring and the risk of recurrence. Sixty-seven limbs with 67 ulcers were managed using TWO2 therapy, and 65 limbs with 65 ulcers were managed using conventional compression dressings (CCD). The proportion of ulcers completely healed by 12 weeks was 76% in patients managed with TWO2, compared to 46% in patients managed with CCD (p < 0.0001). The mean reduction in ulcer surface area at 12 weeks was 96% in the TWO2 therapy group, compared to 61% in patients managed with CCD. The median time to full ulcer healing was 57 days in the TWO2 group, in contrast to 107 days in patients managed with CCD (p < 0.0001). TWO2 patients had a significantly improved Quality-Adjusted Time Spent Without Symptoms of disease and Toxicity of treatment (Q-TWiST) compared to CCD patients, denoting an improved outcome (p < 0.0001). TWO2 reduces the time needed for RVU healing and is successful in pain alleviation and MRSA elimination. TWO2 therapy radically degrades recurrence rates. Utilising diffused oxygen raises the capillary partial pressure of oxygen (Po2) levels at the wound site, stimulating epithelialisation, and granulation of new healthy tissue. Taking the social and individual aspects of chronic venous ulceration into account, the use of TWO2 can provide an overwhelmingly improved quality of life for long-time sufferers of this debilitating disease.
Part of the book: Wound Healing