Smart bandage zaps chronic wounds to speed healing

NCT ID NCT04887688

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This pilot study tests a new flexible bandage called exciflex that delivers mild electrical stimulation to chronic wounds that won't heal normally. The study includes 16 veterans with diabetes or spinal cord injury who have lower leg wounds. The bandage is designed to work for up to seven days without needing to be changed, potentially making wound care easier and more effective than standard treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: exciflex bandage (a flexible electronic bandage that delivers surface electrotherapy)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a new way to help chronic wounds heal faster without disturbing the dressing for up to a week.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 16 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device is still in early testing and may not prove effective.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic ulcer of skin diabetes mellitus spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC WOUND DIABETES ISCHEMIC WOUND SPINAL CORD INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106-1702, United States

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