Presentation Description
Institution: Alfred Health - VIC, Australia
Purpose
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major cause of morbidity amongst vascular surgical patients, often necessitating multidisciplinary vascular care. Conventional therapies are limited by high recurrence and infection rates. Blue light and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) have emerged as adjunctive treatments within general and abdominal surgery, with potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerative effects. This systematic review evaluates current evidence on their use in specifically managing DFUs within clinical practice.
Methodology
A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases in accordance with the PRISMA statement, on the 18th of June, 2025. The purpose was to investigate blue light and PBMT in diabetic foot wound healing.
Results
2 studies met inclusion criteria, with a total of 14 patients being included in this study. PBMT demonstrated significant improvements in wound healing time, granulation tissue formation, and bacterial load reduction, particularly when combined with standard vascular interventions. Blue light specifically showed potent antimicrobial effects against drug-resistant organisms.
Conclusion
Blue light and photobiomodulation therapies show promise as adjunctive treatments for diabetic foot wounds amongst vascular patients, offering enhanced wound healing and infection control. However, larger, well-controlled studies are needed to establish standardized protocols and long-term efficacy. Currently, a randomised controlled trial is underway at our centre using the novel Emoled Blue Light treatment amongst vascular patients with poorly healing wounds.
Speakers
Authors
Authors
Dr Abhishekh Srinivas - , Mr Thodur Vasudevan -