Ultra-low microcurrent therapy: a novel approach for treatment of chronic resistant wounds.
This study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of ultra-low microcurrent delivered by the Electro Pressure Regeneration Therapy (EPRT) device for the management of chronic wounds. In this study, 23 patients with chronic skin ulcers and 2 with abdominal dehiscence that was present for an average of 16.5 mo, who were not responsive to standard conservative treatment in a hospital setting, were treated with the EPRT device. Wounds were treated with direct current (maximum of 3 mA) of 1 polarity for 11.5 min and then with a current of the opposite polarity for another 11.5 min. Treatment was applied through ultra-low microcurrents (in the mA to nA range) conducted through special wraps applied above and below the wound. The results revealed that 34.8% of cases achieved complete wound healing after an average of 45.6 h of treatment, and 39.1% achieved >or=50% healing after an average of 39.7 h of treatment. Several patients achieved significant results after 1 to 2 treatments. The EPRT device not only accelerated healing but also appeared to negate the effect of a person's age on wound healing.