Surface-Wave Ultrasonics Helps Heal Wounds

A novel, patch based, ultrasound product uses surface waves for therapeutic treatment of wounds.

The NanoVibronix PainShield system is a comprehensive low frequency, low intensity ultrasound based solution, which provides relief of musculoskeletal and soft tissue pain as well as targeted therapy for tendon, ligament, or muscle injuries. The portable, battery powered electronic unit is connected to a disposable patch placed next to the treated area for a prescribed period of time, through which it delivers localized energy, creating a therapeutic effect to treat localized pain and induce soft tissue healing. A wide range of applications is accessible, including reduction of acute pain, reduction of chronic pain, and anti-inflammatory effects. The PainShield also expedites healing of ulcers from diabetic or ischemic origin. The PainShield is a product of NanoVibronix (Nesher, Israel) and has received both the European Community (CE) Marking and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

"The beneficial properties of low frequency, low intensity ultrasound in a compact, convenient patch allows for a whole new dimension in wound therapy,” said Leon Gilad, M.D. chief of wound care at Hadassah University Medical Center (Jerusalem, Israel). "In addition to the wound healing benefits of the PainShield, we have seen a dramatic diminishing of wound pain when pain was present.”

Ultrasonic surface waves, also known as Rayleigh waves, are a type of elastic surface wave that travel on solids. They are produced on the Earth by earthquakes, in which case they are also known as "ground roll,” or by other sources of seismic energy such as an explosion or even a sledgehammer impact. They are also produced in materials by acoustic transducers, and are used in nondestructive testing for detecting defects.

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NanoVibronix
Hadassah University Medical Center