Benefits of shockwave therapy for chronic venous ulcers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Benefits of extracorporeal shockwave for the treatment of chronic venous ulcers:mechanism of healing
IRAS ID
206297
Contact name
Heather M Wilson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Extracorporeal shockwaves (ECSW) are low energy shock waves which have been shown to promote tissue regeneration and aid wound healing. This treatment is currently used at Aberdeen Royal infirmary to aid the healing of chronic venous ulcer disease when conventional treatment fails. However, the mechanism of how this treatment works and whether it would be beneficial in other patient groups with ‘difficult to heal wounds’ is not clear. We are interested in the effect of this therapy on the properties of macrophages (important white blood cells) that are essential for many aspects of the healing process. We have published laboratory evidence that a similar therapy significantly increases the movement of macrophages into the wound and improves the healing properties of macrophages as well as enhancing their power to fight infection. This is a pilot/proof of concept study to determine if shock wave therapy changes the healing properties of macrophages. If so, shockwave therapy could benefit other conditions relating to non healing ulcers (e.g. diabetic ulcers) where macrophage properties play a significant role. Numbers are small but will maximise resources and potential of the work before committing to a larger study. Effects will be assessed by histological and immunohistological analysis of skin biopsies taken before and after routine ECSW therapy and assessment of wound exudate that is associated with this condition. \n\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
16/NS/0062
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion