(CS-085) Treatment od Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Post-Opertaive Wound Infections with Copper-Iodine Complex Solution as an Adjunct in Wound Bed Preparation: A Case Series of 5 Patients

Friday, April 10, 2026

Raymond Abdo, DPM, CWS – Wound Care, Mercy Hospital South, St Louis, MO

Introduction: Chronic wounds are a health problem for patients and contribute costs to healthcare systems. Copper-Iodine Complex Solution (CICS) is an FDA 510(k) cleared wound irrigation system. Wound bed parameters are evaluated with the use of CICS as the primary irrigation and dressing solution.

Methods: Five patients with full thickness wounds underwent debridement followed by irrigation and dwelling with CICS for primary and solo dressing for wound care.

At the baseline visit and 2 subsequent visits the following wound bed parameters were identified and recorded:

· Biofluorescent imaging (MolecuLight) pre and post debridement after 10 min CICS dwelling

· Wound dimensions (L x W x D)

· Exudate

· Odor

· Pain

· Granulation tissue

· pH

Results:

5 patients evaluated, 2 post-surgical and 3 with diabetic foot . Across all four patients, the mean wound volume reduction was 54% over a 3-week period. One patient achieved complete healing. Odor resolved in the wound bed by visit number two in all patients. Pain score was minimal, however, many of the patients presented with sensory neuropathy. Exudate was moderate in 3/5 patients initially and minimal at visit 2 and 3. Granulation tissue, while nonexistent or minimal in all patients at baseline visit, improved markedly by week 2 -3. Biofluorescent imaging was positive I all patients, 2 with Pseudomonas and 3 with other species at baseline, one maintained mild fluorescence at week two and all others were negative through week 3. Wound bed pH was measured pre and post debridement. All patients were noted to have an initial alkaline reading (mean 8.7) and post debridement, values 8.0 – 7.0). Subsequent week 2 and 3 ranged from pre debridement values of 8.0 – 7.2 and post debridement values of 7.3 – 6.4.

Discussion:

The utilization of CICS in the management of wound bed preparation as an antimicrobial in solution and irrigant has demonstrated positive outcomes. The biofluorescent imaging has demonstrated significant decrease in bioburden in the wound bed over the three-week assessment. All factors evaluated in this evaluation trended to reset the chronic wound toward a linear healing trajectory. CICS was well tolerated, reduced odor, bioburden, alkalinity of the wound bed, exudate, and increased the development of granulation tissue. CICS represents a safe, effective, and well-tolerated adjunct in chronic wound management. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate patient care initiatives for optimizing positive outcomes.