Pilot Study on Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Effects in Chronic Diabetic Wounds

Evaluation of Electrical Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation Effects on Parameters of Wound Healing in Chronic Diabetic Wounds - Pilot Study

The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the effect of auricular autonomous nervous system stimulation on vital parameters of wound healing in diabetics. It is investigated if auricular vagal nerve stimulation has an effect on heart rate variability as well as peripheral local blood perfusion, and if this effect depends on the health status of the study participants (diseased/healthy).

Inclusion Criteria:

• diabetes mellitus type 2
• ulcus cruris (plantar)
• min. 6 weeks of standard wound therapy without success
• intact big toe on wound side

Exclusion Criteria:

• participation in a clinical trial in the last 5 weeks
• confounding medical treatment, e.g. prostaglandin
• vascular diseases other than peripheral arterial occlusive disease
• diseases which may affect the autonomous nervous system or wound healing, except diabetic concomitant diseases (e.g., polyneuropathy, angiopathy)
• drug abuse
• active implanted devices
• pregnancy or nursing