Use of Remote Ischemic Conditioning on the Treatment of Diabetic Wounds

Introduction. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) activates the body’s natural protective physiology against reperfusion injury and the tissue damage caused by low oxygen levels. More than 10 000 patients have completed trials with RIC over the last 2 decades and 20 000 more are currently enrolled. Although much research has focused on prevention and postacute treatment in cardiovascular injury, few trials have focused on the patients with diabetes and diabetic ulcers.

Objective. This case series is early evidence from a proof-of-concept study that aims to show that RIC, delivered with an automated device, is an effective treatment modality for healing diabetic leg and foot ulcers (DFUs).

Methods. Three patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs) and DFUs were given 40-minute treatment sessions of RIC at their home, 3 times per week, for about a 12-week period (total of 36 treatments). In addition, all received weekly standard of care. Remote ischemic conditioning treatment was delivered with an automated pressure cuff that inflates on the bicep to occlude blood flow for 4 successive 5-minute periods.

Results. Wounds were reviewed on a weekly basis. In this initial series, all ulcers were 100% epithelialized by the end of the treatment period. The VLU (which had been continually treated for 14 months) closed after 10 weeks. The DFUs were healed after an average of 9.3 weeks. Patients reported improvement in neuropathic symptoms and claimed increased energy.

Conclusions. Remote ischemic conditioning treatment was well tolerated by all. Through this series (and the continuing trial), the authors show RIC may be an effective, noninvasive, novel adjunctive approach to treating patients with diabetes.

Citation: Greenwood TW, Regulski MJ. Use of remote ischemic conditioning on the treatment of diabetic wounds. Poster presented at: Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Spring; May 7-11, 2019; San Antonio, TX.

Products: Remote Ischemic Conditioning; LifeCuff Technologies, Philadelphia, PA

Sponsor: LifeCuff Technologies, Philadelphia, PA

This abstract was not subject to the WOUNDS^® peer-review process.

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