Proposal of a Medical Technology for Treating Pressure Injuries: RAPHA^® Equipment ^†

A pressure injury is defined as a localized wound to the skin or to the underlying skin tissue over a bony prominence, caused by pressure and shear. By combining the use of LED light and a latex biomembrane, the clinical use of the Rapha^® Equipment in the treatment of diabetic foot has shown promising results in tissue regeneration, by the angiogenesis and new tissue formation. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Rapha^® Equipment in the healing of pressure injuries in hospitalized patients. Methodology: This study was approved by CEP IGESDF, with CAAE: 52659721.2.3001.8153. For this study, patients from the Base Hospital of Brasilia with pressure injuries at stages 2 and 3 were selected. People with unclassifiable injuries with necrosis (stage 4) or circulatory diseases were not considered in this research. A total of 9 participants were divided into two groups: The experimental one, with 5 people, received treatment with the Rapha^® Equipment daily for 35 min over a 45-day period. The other, control group, composed of 4 people, received the Hospital’s standard wound dressing protocol. Results: In the experimental group, two wounds healed completely and the quality of the granulation tissue improved. As per the control group, no healing was observed. Conclusions: The Rapha^® Equipment demonstrated efficacy in promoting the healing of pressure injuries, with complete recovery in two cases and improved tissue morphology. However, increased moisture was reported in the treated wounds, which, if excessive, can obstruct the healing process.