330ULTRASOUND IRRADIATION SURGERY IN ELDERLY PRESSURE ULCER PATIENTS: EFFICACY AND MECHANISMS Ultrasound (US) therapy has been proposed as a potential treatment for pressure ulcers (PUs) due to its ability to stimulate angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation. However, its efficacy remains uncertain, with conflicting findings from previous studies. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of US therapy on wound healing in stage III and IV PUs, particularly in relation to wound size reduction and exudate production. Methods: A pilot study was conducted at PSP Medical College & Hospitals, Chennai, and Indira Medical College & Hospitals, Pandur, between October and December 2024. Five patients with seven stage III or IV PUs were included. US therapy was administered at 1 MHz for most ulcers and 3 MHz for ulcers near bones. Treatment parameters, including intensity (0.5 W/cm²), duty cycle (20%), and probe movement speed (1 cm/sec), were standardized. Wound size and exudate weight were measured at each dressing change, and ulcer characteristics were assessed using the DESIGN classification scale. Results: Of the four ulcers treated with US therapy, three showed significant wound size reduction, while the control group showed minimal improvement. The most notable reduction was observed in ulcers 1 and 3, which responded well to US treatment at 0.5 W/cm² intensity. Ulcer 4 did not show clear improvement, possibly due to wound pocketing and extent of tissue damage. Exudate weight increased in ulcers 1 and 2, indicating potential stimulation of wound healing, whereas ulcer 3 did not exhibit increased exudate production. No significant correlation was found between wound size reduction and haemoglobin, albumin, or CRP levels. Conclusion: While US therapy demonstrated a positive effect on wound healing, particularly when applied at intensities that penetrate permeable dressings in a moist wound environment, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. This study highlights the need for larger, multi-center clinical trials to determine optimal US therapy parameters and its role in PU management. Future studies should also explore biochemical analysis of exudate to assess plasma proteins and cytokines in response to US treatmentNagaraj@gmail.comResearch1422024Pressure ulcers (PUs), Ultrasound therapy, Wound healing, Exudate production, Granulation tissue formationDr Nagaraj M, Dr. Ranadheer Raju2 Dr. Yugvardhan ReddyAssociate Professor, Department of General Surgery, PSP medical College and hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India