Next-Gen Wound Debridement: Hydrosurgery Systems Gain Traction Across Healthcare Settings

1.1.1  Hydrosurgery Systems

Hydrosurgery systems are advanced medical devices that utilize a high-pressure stream of sterile saline to selectively remove damaged, infected, or necrotic tissue while preserving healthy tissue. These systems are primarily used for wound debridement, particularly in treating chronic wounds, burns, and traumatic injuries. The technology offers precise, controlled tissue removal, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy structures, minimizing pain, and promoting faster healing.

Hydrosurgery has become a preferred alternative to conventional surgical debridement methods due to its minimally invasive nature and enhanced efficiency. Systems like Smith & Nephew's VERSAJET II and HydroCision's TenJet characterize this innovation, providing clinicians with tools that improve patient outcomes and procedural accuracy. The growing adoption of hydrosurgery across various specialties-including plastic surgery, orthopedics, and general surgery-is expanding the market and driving further technological advancements in the field.

1.1.2  Rising Incidence of Chronic Wounds

The rising incidence of chronic wounds is a major driver of advancements in the hydrosurgery systems market. Chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers are becoming increasingly common due to the global surge in conditions like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. These wounds often require prolonged treatment and effective wound bed preparation, making precision debridement essential for promoting healing and preventing infection. According to a report by the American Medical Association published in November 2023, roughly one-third of individuals with diabetes will experience a foot ulcer at some point in their lives. Each year, diabetic foot ulcers impact approximately 18.6 million people globally and 1.6 million in the U.S. Around 50% of these ulcers become infected, and of those, about 20% lead to partial or complete foot amputation.

Hydrosurgery systems offer a highly efficient, selective, and less traumatic method of debridement compared to traditional surgical techniques. As the demand for faster, safer, and more effective wound care grows, manufacturers are responding by developing next-generation hydrosurgery devices that provide better control, portability, and integration with imaging and other surgical technologies. This includes the use of advanced fluid jet systems and ergonomic designs that allow for use in both hospital and outpatient settings. Consequently, the increasing prevalence of chronic wounds is not only expanding the market size but also accelerating the pace of innovation in hydrosurgery systems to meet complex clinical needs.

Case Study: - Role of Hydrosurgery in the Management of Diabetic Foot Disease - New Application of an Age-Old Technique

According to a study published in the International Surgery Journal in June 2024, hydrosurgery demonstrated several clinical advantages over conventional surgical debridement in treating diabetic foot wounds. The study found that patients in the hydrosurgery group had a shorter average duration of diabetes (11.53 years) compared to those undergoing surgical debridement (14.63 years). Foot deformities were observed in 43.3% of the hydrosurgery group versus 33.3% in the surgical group. Microbial culture revealed Klebsiella as the most commonly isolated pathogen in the hydrosurgery group (23.3%), while Klebsiella and Pseudomonas were equally prevalent in the surgical group (20% each).

Notably, the mean operative time was significantly lower with hydrosurgery (15.30 minutes) compared to traditional surgical debridement (23.67 minutes). The study concluded that hydrosurgery offers considerable benefits, including fewer debridement sessions, reduced operative time, and shorter hospital stays. Additionally, it allowed for more precise tissue removal with minimal collateral damage, preserving healthy tissue and promoting faster wound healing advantages not typically seen with scalpel-based debridement techniques.

1.1.3  Advancements in Modern hydrosurgery systems

Smith & Nephew’s VERSAJET II Hydrosurgery System stands out as a leading product in the hydrosurgery market due to its advanced features and clinical effectiveness. Its key advantages contribute significantly to market growth by meeting the evolving needs of both healthcare providers and patients.

Key Advantages of VERSAJET II

• Accelerates wound closure, promoting faster healing times.

• Creates an even, well-prepared wound bed, enhancing outcomes for grafts and synthetic dressings.

• Effectively reduces bacterial load, eliminating soft tissue biofilm and other elements that hinder healing.

• Precisely removes necrotic tissue and contaminants while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

• Easily navigates complex, contoured, and hard-to-reach wound areas, offering enhanced control during debridement.

The SpineJet HydroDiscectomy System is a minimally invasive surgical tool for treating herniated discs and related spinal conditions. Utilizing high-velocity saline jets, it precisely removes disc material while preserving surrounding healthy tissue, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional discectomy methods.

Clinical Benefits of SpineJet HydroDiscectomy System

• Rapid and safe disc decompression offers effective relief for patients with chronic back or leg pain caused by herniated discs.

• Simultaneous cutting and aspiration streamlines the procedure, leading to reduced operating time.

• Surgeon-controlled precision allows for customized removal of disc material based on the patient’s condition.

• Nonthermal fluidjet technology eliminates the risk of heat-induced tissue damage.

• Protective access set design helps preserve annular fibers, significantly lowering the risk of disc reherniation.

Thus the growing demand for hydrosurgery systems has drawn significant attention from market players due to their ability to provide minimally invasive procedures that deliver superior results, including reduced trauma, faster recovery, and enhanced precision in tissue removal. With the rising prevalence of chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, and spinal conditions, healthcare providers are increasingly seeking effective and efficient treatment options. Hydrosurgery systems, which enable precise debridement while preserving healthy tissue, offer a clear advantage over traditional surgical approaches. Additionally, their cost-effectiveness, shorter procedure times, and ability to promote faster recovery align with the shift toward value-based healthcare, making them highly appealing to both medical professionals and manufacturers. This combination of clinical effectiveness and economic benefits has sparked significant interest from industry players and healthcare organizations.