Providing medical, surgical and orthopedic management of the lower extremities for 31 years, I keep up with the latest methods, equipment and technology. A major breakthrough in treating diabetic neuropathy is the MicroVas which uses electrical stimulation to stimulate blood flow. After about 12 treatments, most patients find that their pain is significantly reduced or gone altogether. The same goes for healing the most stubborn of the non-healing wounds that refused to heal regardless of other treatments used. The MicroVas causes muscle contractions which force the lymph fluid that is congesting the wound area to move out. This allows the patient's fresh oxygenated blood to reach the tissues, speeding healing. The MicroVas is also used for patients experiencing heel pain and leg cramps. Dr. Aaron Shevlin, DPM, Florida.

I have treated a patient for routine diabetic foot care for two years. In December 2007 he developed an ulcer on the lateral aspect of his right leg. I put him on MicroVas therapy to close the ulcer. After several treatments the ulcer was closed but the patient wanted to continue the therapy. When questioned, he stated his walking was improved. He has had a total of 32 treatments and the following has occurred: Ulcer Closed; Gait Strength Improved (no more wobbling); Muscle Spasms in legs at night stopped; Feet Warm at night; Lower Extremity Flexibility Increased; and Ability to Walk From 50 Feet to 1,500 Feet. When visiting with his Pulmonologist in mid February, it was determined that his pulmonary function improved to where it was in 2003. It is also worthy to note that his Cardiologist wanted to put him in hospice care which now is not necessary. I have used MicroVas since October 2005, have recently bought my second system and will probably go to 3 soon. Julia Granone, DPM, Green Valley, AZ

One of the greatest successes I have seen to date is a middle aged female who has had idiopathic neuropathy for years. She continually experienced moderate to severe pain at night and with walking (especially when barefoot). She wished mainly to return to enjoying campouts and activities with her children and grandchildren. She was extremely skeptical of the MicroVas doing anything...after less than 2 weeks of therapy, 3 times a week, 45 min per treatment, her pain was reduced to less than half that it was before. Currently after more than 14 treatments she is 1 or 2/10 in pain (virtually pain free) and is able to do all that she could not comfortably do before: walk barefoot, spend time and campout with her grandchildren etc. She has told me on multiple occasions, "I can't believe how much this has helped." ...she is reporting 0/10 pain on both feet now; we are about to transition her to "maintanance" interval treatments and she is very happy (nice lady too; it's great to see happy endings with people who really deserve a break). Another victory for MicroVas. Jason LeVitre, DPM, Evanston, WY

I've been using MicroVas for just over three years now. There definitely is therapeutic benefits. To date I've used it for diabetic and non-diabetic neuropathy, diabetic wounds, Morton's neuroma, and plantar fasciitis with varied results. By far, the most dramatic results have been with diabetic neuropathy and wounds. Because both have a microvascular etiology, this therapy is particularly suited for these uses, since it stimulates microvascular angiogenesis. In a two year follow-up with patients treated for diabetic neuropathy, there has been no return in symptoms except where the patient's diabetes has become uncontrolled and neuropathic symptoms return. I have stopped using MicroVas for non-diabetic neuropathy as I have not seen the same benefits. As for Morton's neuroma and plantar fasciitis, I use the therapy rarely and usually at the patient's request as a last resort to avoid surgery or ESWT. Results have been mixed. The downside of the therapy is that it is an in-office 45 minute treatment that keeps a room occupied for about an hour. If you are short on treatment rooms, you may want to consider that issue. Also, I have found that maximum benefit occurs with treatment 3 times a week, which some patients can't commit to. The therapy is profitable. The payment can be easily covered by 1 patient per month (treated 3 times a week, which has been my standard protocol). There have just been double blind studies completed and the company hopes for a dedicated CPT code instead of the PT codes it currently uses. They think that this will increase reimbursement, but it can backfire like it did for Anodyne and lower reimbursement too. Overall, I consider MicroVas a fantastic adjunct to my wound care practice as well as much needed relief for patients with diabetic neuropathy. Andrew Schneider, DPM Houston, TX

I Have been using microvas for about 6-7 months purely for peripheral neuropathy patients. I have been generally pleased with the results. Pre treatment and post treatment assessments are done with pssd and the results are excellent for about 70% of the patients but patients have to understand change is going to be slow. Pts require at least 12 sessions , 45 min each. The reimbursement is about $60 per patient per session so it is profitable. When combined with other therapies the results are even more impressive (such as anodyne, gait training etc.) Gregory Mowen, DPM Ventnor, NJ

I have been using the MicroVas therapy system for several years. I have found it to be beneficial in treating my lower extremity ulcers and diabetic neuropathy patients. As we all know that it is a systems approach to ulcers and neuropathy cases and the use of oral and at times topical medications, injections, debridement and physicial therapy is needed in many cases . One modality or treatment usually does not work on its own. I started with one machine and had positive results from my patients. It has been extremely positive and now I have three machines. It will only make you a better practioner and allow you more choices of treatments. In Florida we do get paid for using the machine under PT codes for 16 treatments as long as they have not used up their Physical Therapy allowance. * * I think that it is important to note that I do not work or have any affiliation with the 'MicroVas' company or any of its employees. Dr. Ian S Goldbaum Delray Beach Florida

I have been using MicroVas for over 4 years, and have multiple machines. Have found it a very excellent therapeutic adjunct--pain conditions, neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease are especially responsive. Use it for a lot of wound patients also. We see miracles nearly every day using this modality, with virtually no downsides. Would be happy to discuss further with you if you would like. Cincinnati, Ohio