A negative pressure device for the treatment of diabetic foot

Background: We studied the use of a negative pressure device designed by one of the authors (JATB) to determine if it shortens healing time and lowers the amputation level in patients with diabetic foot. Methods: Twenty-two patients in two randomized groups were studied. The characteristics of the ulcer according to the Wagner classification, superficial and deep sensitivity, and the status of the pulses were documented. In group 1, the control group, conventional treatment was used. Group 2, the experimental group, was also treated conventionally but a negative pressure device was added. The wounds were treated until healed or for one year. A statistical analysis was carried out with parametric tests that compared the evolution of the ulcer and the amputation level in both groups. Results: The ulcer closed by one year of follow-up in ten patients from each group, representing 90.9% of the patients. A statistically significant difference was not obser ved between the groups. Conclusions: After one year of evolution, a statistically significant difference in ulcer healing was not found in either group.