Electrical stimulation in chronic wounds and pressure ulcers: a narrative review

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Abstract

The management of chronic wounds and pressure ulcers remains a significant challenge in surgery. Numerous topical treatment options are available; however, they have certain limitations.

This review assessed the efficacy of electrical stimulation in patients with chronic wounds and pressure ulcers based on published data.

A search of relevant publications was conducted in the PubMed, eLIBRARY.RU, and Scopus databases. Electric current has long been used in medicine to promote healing in various types of wounds. This review addresses the fundamental mechanisms of electrical stimulation for wound healing, as well as the existing electrical stimulation therapy options and their advantages. Furthermore, the review assesses the efficacy of this modality, including in combination with other physical therapies.

The findings indicate that electrical stimulation of chronic wounds and pressure ulcers significantly improves the healing of complicated wounds. Innovative electrical stimulation devices demonstrate promising clinical outcomes. Electrical stimulation therapy is most effective when combined with other physical or pharmaceutical therapeutic approaches.

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About the authors

Alexandr M. Shulutko

The First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University

Email: shulutko@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-8001-1601

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, Moscow

Elkhan G. Osmanov

The First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University

Email: mma-os@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1451-1015
SPIN-code: 7380-2781

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, Moscow

Evgeny L. Altukhov

Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology

Author for correspondence.
Email: altukhoff@list.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8306-2538
SPIN-code: 8150-3473

MD

Russian Federation, Solnechnogorsk, 777 Lytkino village, 141534

Alexey A. Yakovlev

Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology

Email: ayakovlev@fnkcrr.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-8482-1249
SPIN-code: 2783-9692

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, Moscow

Elena G. Gandybina

The First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University

Email: gandybina_e_g@staff.sechenov.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6765-5154
SPIN-code: 7590-2148

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Associate Professor

Russian Federation, Moscow

Yulia S. Paskhalova

A.V. Vishnevsky National Medical Research Center of Surgery; Peoples' Friendship University of Russia

Email: 9057176757@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1215-8035
SPIN-code: 5401-1879

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Associate Professor

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

Alexandr A. Shaybak

Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology

Email: shaybak@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0087-1466
SPIN-code: 8544-5407
Russian Federation, Moscow

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