Micro-Microvascular Healing: Induction of Angiogenesis and Wound-Healing Factors Using Radiofrequency Pulsed Magnetic Fields (PMF) and Clinical Application

Abstract

Pulsed magnetic fields (PMF) have been shown to enhance healing of non-unions, fresh fractures, and spine fusion. Additional clinical indications have been reported in double–blind studies for the treatment of avascular necrosis, tendonitis, and osteoarthritis. Radiofrequency PMF of the type utilized in the author's laboratory and clinic have been shown to enhance chronic wound repair and reduce pain and edema. Additionally, radiofrequency PMF signals have been reported to enhance skin blood flow in diabetic individuals. Recently, the author's laboratory has shown that PMF stimulates neovascularization when applied to a transplanted tail arterial loop in a rat model. This was the first time that PMF was shown to promote angiogenesis in an in vivo model. More recently, this study was extended to a rat groin flap model in which PMF was also shown to stimulate angiogenesis and to allow for elevation of a free flap in the rat, purely on the neovascularized skin flap. The mechanism of action of PMF and its clinical use in wound healing, revascularization of organs, use in CNS disorders and CNS trauma that have been developed were discussed.