A novel topical oxygen treatment for chronic and difficult-to-heal wounds: Case studies

Background: Pressure ulcers are one of the most prevalent causes of morbidity in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). For those requiring hospital-based management, conventional wound management may necessitate a prolonged institutional stay. This may subsequently increase the likelihood of comorbidities and increase the social, psychological, and financial burdens associated with wound management. Therefore, novel adjunct treatments that potentiate improved healing rates should be seriously considered. Study Design: Case reports. Objective: To observe the efficacy of the EpiFLO device as an adjunct treatment modality in chronic wound management. Setting: An SCI unit at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Methods: Three men with SCI, who each presented with a stage IV pressure ulcer in the pelvic region, were treated with the EpiFLO device as an adjunct therapy. In Case 1, the patient was monitored for 9 weeks, whereas in Cases 2 and 3, the patients were monitored for 5 weeks. Healing was determined on a weekly basis by wound dimensions and volume, which were compared before and after the intervention. Results: Comparison of pre- and posttreatment outcome measurements showed significant improvement with EpiFLO in each case. Conclusion: EpiFLO seems to have had a positive effect on the healing rate of chronic pressure ulcers in individuals with SCI.