Washington, Aug 27 (Inditop.com) A novel tool named Dermastream, devised by researchers, heals recurring bed sores and chronic ulcers speedily.
Dermastream provides an enzyme-based solution that flows continuously over the wound, offering an alternative treatment to combat a problem for which current treatments are costly and labour-intensive.
Dermastream has passed clinical trials in Israeli hospitals and may be available in the US next year, said Amihay Freeman, professor at the Tel Aviv University (TAU).
More than six million people in the US suffer from persistent wounds. The bedridden elderly and infirm are prone to painful and dangerous pressure ulcers, and diabetics are susceptible to wounds caused by a lack of blood flow to the extremities.
“Our basic idea is simple,” said Freeman. “We treat the wound by streaming a solution in a continuous manner. Traditional methods require wound scraping to remove necrotic tissue.”
“That is expensive, painful and extremely uncomfortable to the patient. The bacteria build up again, creating a tedious and long battle,” he said.
Dermastream “flows” under a plastic cover that seals the wound, providing negative pressure that promotes faster healing. The active biological ingredient, delivered in a hypertonic medium, works to heal hard-to-shake chronic wounds.
While traditional bandaging methods may take months to become fully effective, Dermastream can heal chronic wounds in weeks, Freeman said.
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