Clinical utility of far-infrated therapy for chronic ulsers due to clitical limb ischemia

Abstract

Far-infrared therapy is currently used in 10 countries, such as Taiwan and China, to improve the access flow and survival of arteriovenous fistulas in dialysis patients, but its usefulness in foot care is less reported. In this study, we examined the results of 5 cases in which far-infrared therapy was used for patients who were hospitalized at our wound care center. The patients comprised 4 males and 1 female. All patients were diagnosed with critical limb ischemia and underwent minor amputation after end vascular therapy, which did not heal. Far-infrared therapy was carried out, and was effective in four cases, but ineffective in one. This device was mobile, a special setting was not necessary, direct irradiation of the skin at a sufficient distance was possible, device handling was simple, and it was safe to use. It was possible to use this therapy with other adjunctive therapy, but sufficient blood circulation is required.