Compression and CO2 Laser for Leg Wounds

Inclusion criteria

Patients will be identified through the clinic where their skin is to be treated by excisional surgery on the lower leg. Those considered for enrollment must also meet the following criteria:

• >18 years of age
• Wound size of at least 1 cm in width
• Cutaneous excision of the lower leg
• Surgeon elected repair of healing by secondary intention
• Participants must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent prior to registration on study

Exclusion criteria

• Current smoker
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Uncontrolled hypothyroidism
• Severe renal impairment or hypoalbuminemia
• Chronic lymphedema
• Severe venous insufficiency (large varicose veins, atrophie blanche)
• Arterial insufficiency (ABI < 0.8)
• Rubber or rubber accelerator allergy
• Prior radiation to the surgical site
• History or evidence of a clinically significant medical or psychiatric disorder, condition or disease that in the opinion of the treating physician would pose a risk or interfere with evaluation or completion of the study
• Subject un willing to sign an IRB approved consent form
• Participants who are unable to communicate or cooperate with the investigator due to language problems, poor mental development, or impaired cerebral function are not eligible