June 12, 2008 - MedX Health Corp. said last week positive results from a study were published showing the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for healing acute and chronic wounds combined with the Extendicare Wound Prevention and Management Program.
The positive results were recently presented formally in the peer-reviewed International Wound Journal. The nine-week study evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy on wound healing in 16 patients at a Canadian Extendicare nursing home. At the end of the study, 61.9 percent of the wounds achieved significant improvement (greater than 50 percent wound closure) and 42.8 percent had 100 percent closure. None of the wounds deteriorated during the study and no negative consequences of treatment were encountered. In addition, a retrospective review of the data revealed an estimated total cost savings of $220 per month per patient in labor and supplies.
Chronic wounds can be painful and debilitating for patients and the care and management of these wounds can have significant economic consequences. The study results demonstrate that MedX’s low-level laser system was very easy to learn and use and offers relief for frail and elderly patients who suffer from acute and chronic wounds.
The study results indicated similar wound closure rates were achieved for both chronic and acute wounds, suggesting LLLT may play an important role in enhancing wound healing regardless of chronicity. In addition, previous research has demonstrated LLLT increases microcirculation and tensile strength of new tissue, offering a potential opportunity for LLLT in the preventative treatment of recently closed wounds that have a history of reopening. MedX LLLT provided sufficient pain control from a lack of blood flow to the area, to allow a couple of patients in chronic pain to sleep and participate more in their daily activities.
For more than 35 years, LLLT has been used in Europe, Australia, Asia and Russia for the treatment of pain and tissue repair. LLLT was approved in Canada in the early 1990’s and in the U.S. in 2002. LLLT uses a specific type of light to penetrate the skin’s surface and underlying tissues to stimulate the body's natural repair processes. The result is faster healing and reduced pain, swelling and inflammation.
The MedX 1000 Console system used in the study has two 80 mW infrared laser clusters for large area treatment and one 50 mW single diode infrared laser probe for more focused, deeper applications.
For more information: www.medxhealth.com