NATROX oxygen wound therapy for managing diabetic foot ulcers and complex or chronic non-healing wounds

The technology described in this briefing is NATROX. It is used to treat chronic non-healing and complex wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers.

The innovative aspects are that the device delivers 98% humidified oxygen directly to the wound bed to stimulate and improve wound healing.

The intended place in therapy would be in addition to standard care in people with chronic non-healing wounds.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 3 studies, a randomised controlled trial and 2 observational studies – a total of 172 adults in secondary care. They show that NATROX effectively treats a range of chronic wounds, and is more effective than standard care in people with grade 2 and grade 3 diabetic foot ulcers.

Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are the small sample size of the randomised controlled trial and the heterogenous population in the larger observational studies. These limit the value of the findings.

The cost of NATROX ranges from £300 to £500 per 12‑week treatment. The cost reflects the average number of oxygen delivery system devices bought for a 12‑week treatment in the UK; the reusable generator is included in the cost.