Dr F Kahn

The application of our technology continues to bring satisfaction to patients and staff alike. Last Friday, I had the opportunity to see a patient with a pre-gangrenous left foot, an extensive ulcer of the first toe and in a great deal of pain. She had seen seven specialists over two years and had undergone many hyperbaric chamber treatments which incidentally, I feel are always helpful but often difficult to obtain.

Last week, she had been told that her toe and possibly the foot might require amputation in the near future. After only two successive treatments, the patient is pain-free, the foot is warm and pink in colour and the ulcer is beginning to heal. Cases of this type indicate the tremendous need for the work that we are doing.

A recent article by Dr Gifford-Jones , a syndicated medical columnist, reaffirms the existence of the multitude of patients suffering from dermatological conditions, wounds and ulcers of various types, that have been resistant to conventional therapies over many years. In almost all instances after only a few treatment sessions utilizing laser therapy , the positive change is quite dramatic.

We continue to interface with many interested physicians, chiropractors, physiotherapists, etc, around the globe and provide educational opportunities for all who demonstrate interest. Currently, we are completing the topics and speaker's list for the seminar on October 27, which will focus on Laser Therapy in Sports Medicine and the Science of Low Intensity Laser Therapy . 

As previously stated over the past two years, we are continuing with a number of studies focusing on protocols for the treatment of dermal lesions and as we find exciting new applications we will pass them on to you periodically.

Two weeks ago, a patient presented with a large keloid malformation over the anterior chest wall. This problem began several years ago with an infection and the subsequent development of a scar. Two years ago, this lesion was excised by a plastic surgeon, however within a year the lesion returned with significantly increased dimensions both in diameter and elevation. (Transverse dimension 8cm, vertical 4.5cm and elevation 5mm)

Subsequently, there were a number of cortisone injections and application of various topical medications, all of which failed to diminish the size of the keloid.

The patient first presented at Meditech on July 23, 2007. The initial protocol utilized was red continuous for 10 minutes, infrared 50/70 for 10 minutes and the 75mW infrared probe continuous wave for 5 minutes, as well as the 100mW red probe continuous wave for 5 minutes. The patient has had a total of six treatments since then and on August 1st, quite remarkably, the lesion was barely visible and in total dimensions, elevation, etc. has been reduced over 90%.

After the two initial treatments, red was utilized at 100/90 for 8 minutes, infrared 250/80 for 8 minutes and the 100mW red probe continuous for 3 minutes, plus the 200mW infrared probe continuous wave for 3 minutes. 

Again, after two treatments, further protocol changes were instituted utilizing the 75mW infrared probe and the 100mW red probe for 4 minutes each. The other protocols were unchanged.

Lessons to be learned from this approach indicate that one must be acutely aware of physical change and correlate it with protocol settings. We started with relatively low levels and went to higher levels fairly rapidly, as this appeared to be the appropriate course. The success we achieved was dramatic to say the least.

At this time, we are also treating ten or more psoriatic lesions with a significant degree of success. Some are highly successful, some slower to improve, but in all instances improvement is noticed either shortly after initiating treatment or after five plus treatments. These results are extremely encouraging and we hope to correlate them in a more definitive manner by the end of this year. In the meantime, we will keep you informed. (Initial & final pictures will be forthcoming.)

On an additional note, I had the opportunity to review Jan Tunér’s article, “Is the Blue Cross Meta Analysis Reliable?” As usual, Dr. Tunér’s articles are incisive, knowledgeable and to the point. Furthermore, the article points out the lack of reliability in many assessments, much as his recent article with regard to advertising in the laser industry. My interpretation of Dr. Tunér’s message is - always state the facts as they exist. Through this process, education and integrity will be enhanced.

Last Friday, we had a surprise visit from an old patient, Gerard Mol, a farmer from Prince Edward Island (PEI). Farming today has become more of a corporate venture and Gerard represents that form of endeavour, managing several hundred acres of various crops, including those wonderful potatoes, famous throughout the world.

Mr. Mol originally came to us in June 2006 with a long-standing history of back pain, subsequent to an injury 8 years earlier. His symptoms had been acute, present in excess of one year and were relatively incapacitating. There was “sciatic pain” and all meaningful physical activities were totally restricted. After many different therapies and consultations with a number of specialists, his condition had not improved. He had come to the conclusion that if Laser Therapy were not effective, he would be forced to “sell the farm.”

Radiological findings revealed herniated discs at L4,5 and L5-S1 levels. In addition there was extensive degenerative osteoarthritis, secondary to the heavy lifting the patient had performed over the years. A highly competent neurosurgeon had previously reviewed his situation and the decision to operate was reserved, in view of the extensive pathology.

Clinical examination when he presented at Meditech revealed a minimal range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine. There was a reverse scoliosis, flattening of the lumbar lordosis and the patient was in such acute pain that he had to be treated daily at a hotel near the clinic, initially. After three to four days, he was able to come to the clinic and at the end of two weeks, his symptoms were markedly reduced.

To maintain his status, Gerard with the assistance of a nurse he brought from PEI were trained to use the Professional System at home, in order to continue the healing process and prevent recurrence. This has been completely successful. Indeed, at this time, his spine is normal in appearance, he continues to be completely asymptomatic and he has regained total functionality with regard to range of motion of the spine and activity levels.

Mr. Mol, being a responsible citizen, used his business talents to establish the first Laser Therapy clinic in Prince Edward Island and he is in the process of enlarging this clinic with the addition of more systems to serve the population of his island. Meditech salutes Gerard for his perceptiveness in choosing the right treatment, leading by example and establishing an institution that will be a benefit to the people of PEI.

The treatment of wounds continues to be a controversial subject in the medical community. Generally a variety of dressings are utilized along with an overwhelming number of medications.

At Meditech, we continue to see an increasing number of these sometimes challenging problems that fail to respond to conventional therapies.

Utilizing the Meditech regimen, we are able to achieve consistent positive results, particularly as our experience in this area increases.

Our treatment approach consists of the following:
• the removal of dressings
• discontinuation of the majority or all pharmaceuticals
• instituting a programme of laser therapy
• saline compresses as indicated

A useful adjunct when available is the hyperbaric chamber.

On this programme, we have developed the ability to heal an extensive variety of wounds in a relatively short period of time.

Our goal is to establish this method of healing more widely.

The 7 cases illustrated in this monograph clearly corroborate the effectiveness of laser therapy, the basic platform in this healing methodology.

CASE #1

Patient#: 5230
Age: 50/F
Diagnosis: Pre-gangrenous foot - Multiple ulcers secondary to Diabetes Mellitus

This diabetic ulcer presented for follow-up several months post-cessation of laser treatment. There has been no recurrence of the ulcer previously treated with the BioFlex System. The patient is asymptomatic, fully functional and the photograph indicates significant remodeling of the soft tissues.

CASE #2

Patient#: 5094
Age: 77/M
Diagnosis: Ulcer - left foot

This patient demonstrates complete healing of an ulcer after 5 treatments administered over the course of 1 week. Etiology is peripheral arterial occlusive disease. At this time, the patient is asymptomatic, walking normally and does not require any medication.

CASE #3

Patient#: 4840
Age: 72/F
Diagnosis: Infected ulcer - secondary to inadequate arterial circulation

This patient lives over 4 hours away from our clinic and is therefore only being treated sporadically with the Home Unit II. Despite the self-administration, healing is progressing slowly and complete epithelization of the ulcer bed should be complete over the next 6 weeks. Notably, the dimensions of the ulcer have been reduced from 111 cm² to 7.87 cm² and there is healing both at the base and the ulcer margins.

CASE #4

Patient#: 3183
Age: 79/M
Diagnosis: Dermal Ulcer - right heel

This patient's ulcer developed while being treated in the hospital for a CVA. Following the conventional therapeutic approach, the ulcer continued to increase in dimension. The patient utilized oral and topical antibiotics and dressing changes on alternate days over several months.

On our wound care program, the wound was left open and antibiotics were discontinued. In addition, laser therapy was instituted along with saline compresses at home. Complete healing has occurred and remodeling is evident post-cessation of laser therapy.

CASE #5

Patient#: 6329
Age: 90/F
Diagnosis: Ulcers - right foot, great & 2nd toes

One can visualize the improvement in the appearance of the foot following 6 treatments. Cyanosis is no longer present and the edema and erythema are minimal. Mobility of the toes has been completely restored and the ulcers demonstrate good peripheral healing.

CASE #6

Patient#: 6198
Age: 58/M
Diagnosis: Peripheral arterial occlusive disease with multiple ulcers - left foot

Patient presented with an extremely inflamed forefoot (diameter 42 cm), discolouration, ulcerations and fissuring in several areas and unable to bear weight. After several treatments diameter reduced to 32 cm, all signs of inflammation have disappeared and patient is able to bear weight without discomfort (note distance between 1st and 2nd toes).

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