Tosama Helps Reducing the Number of Limb Amputations
Vivamel Effective in Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Through our medical device sales representatives, who communicate with and visit hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, we often get to know many difficult patient stories up close. We are especially moved by the fate of those who participate in clinical case studies that help manufacturers and hospitals prove and document the success of treatment with a medicine or medical devices most effectively.
In the spring of 2020, we learned about the case of a 52-year-old male, Mr S. L., a diabetic with osteoarthritis. After a foot joint surgery, the microbiological blood test showed that the patient was infected with the MRSA bacteria, and a 1.5 cm ulcer had formed on the sole of his foot under the affected joint months ago due to the uneven pressure distribution on the leg caused by pain.
The ulcer, which was rapidly progressing due to diabetes, severe bacterial infection, and associated diseases, required professional and targeted treatment. In cooperation with the doctors, we applied Vivamel Alginate to his wound at the beginning of March (3 March 2020) and changed the dressing every two days. The wound reacted quickly. The wound dressing with medical honey helped clean the wound effectively and it healed after 14 days.
What Causes a Foot Ulcer?
A foot ulcer is one of the most serious but unfortunately also the most expected complications of diabetes. As many as 20% of diabetic patients develop one. Their fluctuations in blood sugar cause cholesterol to deposit much faster and more intensively in blood vessel walls. Blood flow in the legs is reduced, therefore, the nerves die and muscle tension changes leading to foot deformation. Such deformations are referred to as diabetic foot.
Due to all the problems mentioned above sweating in the feet is greatly reduced, the skin becomes dry and cracked, and consequently very susceptible to infections. If a diabetic patient also almost loses sense of touch, pain, and temperature, often wears improper footwear, and neglects taking proper care of the feet, a wound quickly develops even at the slightest injury or impact. Due to poor blood circulation, the foot heals poorly. Development of an infection on top of that can cause sepsis and eventually even amputation.
Proper Treatment Can Prevent an Amputation
Around 900 minor amputations of individual toes and 400 to 500 major amputations of lower extremities below or above the knee are performed yearly in Slovenia. At least half of the amputations could be prevented with good control of diabetes, proper care, and correct treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The case of Mr S. L. also proves that Vivamel soothes chronic wounds, prevents inflammation and infection, and ensures successful healing.