Microjet wound therapy versus sharp debridement on wound size reduction: a pilot randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: There are several methods of treating hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds, each differing in terms of efficiency, selectivity, speed, cost and pain. The objective is to activate a wound to initiate the healing cascade. For this pilot study we assessed the feasibility of a new microjet wound therapy technology compared to standard sharp debridement in wound outcomes. Method: A randomised, controlled, open-label pilot study was conducted in one outpatient wound clinic in Western Switzerland from March 2022 to May 2023. Results: A total of 13 consecutive patients were randomly assigned to receive either microjet wound therapy (n=5) or standard mechanical debridement with instruments (n=8). As a feasibility study, there was insufficient power to detect significant differences between the groups. However, in the intervention group, our analysis may indicate a modestly faster reduction in wound area. Microjet wound therapy appears to alleviate patient anxiety and offer cost savings due to the potential for reduced time, as well as the number of required treatments. This meant fewer overall consultations. Conclusion: This study highlights a trend that may indicate that microjet therapy holds value in promoting faster healing of hard-to-heal wounds, and it provides a feasibility basis for a sufficiently powered multicentre trial.