Using laser therapy to improve skin care for amputees
Official title: The LASER Pilot Project: Laser Therapy in Amputee Skin Care to Enhance Rehabilitation. A Preliminary Investigation
Funded at James a. Haley VA Medical Center · NIH-11011250 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a special laser treatment can help Veterans with lower limb amputations feel more comfortable and move better by improving their scars, making life with prosthetic limbs easier and more enjoyable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James a. Haley VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004110-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011250 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans with lower limb amputations who experience issues related to scarring from their prosthetic devices.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have lower limb amputations or those without problematic scarring may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of fractionated CO2 laser therapy to treat problematic scars in Veterans with lower limb amputations who use prosthetic limbs. Current scar management techniques often yield inconsistent results, and this study aims to determine if laser therapy can enhance comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life for these individuals. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by amputees, the research seeks to provide a more effective treatment option that could lead to better rehabilitation outcomes. Participants will be monitored for improvements in scar-related discomfort and mobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for amputees by reducing scar discomfort and enhancing mobility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that fractionated CO2 laser therapy is effective for scar treatment in non-amputee patients, suggesting potential success in this novel application for amputees.
Where this research is happening
-
James a. Haley VA Medical Center
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heckman, Jeffrey T. — James a. Haley VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Heckman, Jeffrey T.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.