The Dermapace system represents a significant advancement in the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). FDA-approved for its focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), it offers a non-invasive solution for patients struggling with DFUs that have not responded to traditional wound care. Utilizing pulsed acoustic cellular expression (PACE®) technology, Dermapace stimulates tissue repair, aiming to expedite the healing process. While the system shows promise, understanding its mechanism, indications, and alternatives is essential for clinicians evaluating its suitability for their practices.
How the Dermapace System Works
The Dermapace system employs focused acoustic waves to facilitate tissue repair. This process involves delivering high-energy shockwaves to the affected area, stimulating cellular regeneration and improving blood flow. Specifically designed for chronic, full-thickness DFUs that persist for more than 30 days, the Dermapace system functions adjunctively with standard wound care practices to maximize efficacy.
Key Features of Dermapace:
- Indications: Chronic diabetic foot ulcers, particularly those that fail to show significant improvement with standard care.
- Mechanism of Action: Focused extracorporeal shockwaves precisely targeted to the wound area to promote healing without damaging surrounding tissue.
- Treatment Duration: Typically requires several treatments, each lasting a few minutes. Aftercare aligns with standard wound care protocols.
Clinical Observations: While the system is generally tolerated, potential side effects may include reddening, bruising, tingling, numbness, or temporary discomfort. For clinicians, these factors should be weighed alongside the device’s therapeutic potential.
Efficacy of Dermapace System and ESWT for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Clinical trials have substantiated the efficacy of the Dermapace system in achieving meaningful wound reduction and improved healing outcomes. A study led by Galiano et al (2019) evaluated its performance in patients with DFUs that were unresponsive to standard care after two weeks. Results showed a significant wound area reduction of 48.6% in patients treated with Dermapace compared to just 10.7% in the sham group. Additionally, the median time to wound closure was notably shorter, at 84 days versus 112 days for sham-treated patients.
Beyond Dermapace-specific studies, broader research on extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) underscores its potential in wound care. A meta-analysis by Huang et al. (2019) found that ESWT enhances re-epithelialization rates and significantly reduces the wound surface area in diabetic foot ulcers.
Another study by Wang et al. (2011)compared ESWT to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in chronic DFUs, demonstrating superior outcomes with ESWT. The study reported complete wound healing in 57% of ESWT-treated ulcers compared to 25% in the HBOT group, along with better improvements in blood flow and cellular activity. These findings further solidify ESWT’s role as a reliable method for treating challenging diabetic wounds.
Exploring Alternatives to the Dermapace System
While the Dermapace system is a notable option for treating diabetic foot ulcers, other therapies exist that provide unique mechanisms and benefits. Clinicians evaluating treatment options should consider the functionality, benefits, and limitations of other alternatives.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
HBOT involves delivering pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to enhance oxygenation of tissues, which promotes angiogenesis and supports cellular repair. HBOT is particularly effective in ischemic wounds where low oxygen levels hinder healing. Patients typically undergo daily sessions lasting about two hours, often requiring up to 20 treatments. While HBOT is beneficial for reducing infection risks and enhancing tissue viability, its cost and time-intensive nature can limit accessibility for patients and clinics.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)
NPWT uses a vacuum-assisted device to create a controlled pressure environment over the wound. This therapy removes exudate, reduces edema, and increases blood flow to the area, creating optimal conditions for granulation tissue formation. NPWT is widely utilized in both surgical and non-surgical wound care for its ability to manage large and complex wounds. However, the therapy requires specialized equipment and frequent dressing changes, which can increase costs and labor demands.
SoftWave Therapy
SoftWave Therapy, on the other hand, employs broad-focused extracorporeal shockwaves to stimulate connective tissue and improve local blood flow. Unlike focused shockwave devices like Dermapace, SoftWave delivers acoustic waves across a wider and deeper treatment area, making it ideal for tissue stimulation. FDA-clearances for multiple indications—including DFUs, burns, and minor musculoskeletal conditions—SoftWave offers a broader range of clinical applications. Its low-energy, parabolic waves eliminate the need for anesthesia, and its faster treatment times provide significant advantages for both patients and providers. These features, coupled with its operational simplicity, make SoftWave a leading alternative for advanced wound care.
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Each alternative has distinct benefits, but SoftWave Therapy’s versatility, ease of integration, and broader indications position it as a highly effective choice for clinicians seeking to optimize patient outcomes.
Why Doctors Should Consider SoftWave Therapy
For clinics seeking a comprehensive, effective, and patient-friendly solution, SoftWave Therapy offers evidence-based advantages in wound care and tissue regeneration. With its FDA clearances, faster treatment outcomes, and ease of integration, SoftWave is a versatile investment in both clinical excellence and patient satisfaction.
Transform your practice and elevate patient care with SoftWave Therapy. Become a SoftWave Provider today.
