19 Jul Lunula Laser for the Treatment of Fungal Nails
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Kerry Zang
Founder of the Arizona Institute of Footcare and
Dr. Robert Sullivan
Clinical Director, Midleton Foot Clinic
MedicalResearch.com Editor’s note: Dr. Zang and Dr. Sullivan discuss the recent announcement of FDA approval of the Lunula Laser for the treatment of Onychomycosis.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this new technology?
Response: “For two decades, Erchonia Corporation studied the clinical utility of low-level laser devices for the treatment of numerous medical ailments. Dr. Sullivan and I worked with Erchonia on the Lunula laser to revolutionize the way the medical community treats onychomycosis. Lunula underwent four independent clinical investigations for the treatment of onychomycosis. More than 500 subjects participated with increasingly effective results and each completed without a single adverse event.”
– Dr. Kerry Zang
Response: “There has never been a non-pharmaceutical treatment for onychomycosis. When I became aware that there was a small study completed by Dr. Zang, I became interested in the potential of this new technology. Erchonia was very helpful in bringing me up to speed with what this technology may do. The results of my extended study were unbelievable.”
-Robert Sullivan
MedicalResearch.com: How common/widespread is the concern about toenail fungus?
Response: “People that previously had onychomycosis are always susceptible to reinfection. If a spouse or significant other also has nail fungus, they need to undergo Lunula treatment at the same time. They could also use clear nails plus to get rid of the infection.
“For those with onychomycosis, when you enjoy a pedicure, you should find a nail salon that uses sterile instruments. I recommend that patients bring their own nail polish and remover, we recommend purchasing new nail products after undergoing Lunula treatment.
“Fungus is everywhere in our environment and the risk of reinfection is very present. In order to control fungus you need to practice daily foot hygiene including scrubbing toes daily while showering, using antimicrobial agents in the shower and sanitizing closed toe shoes.”
– Dr. Zang
Response: “My patients are very conscious about their toes and their appearance. Mostly this is from a personal patient point of view. The main concerns seem to be how the condition was contracted in the first place.
“From a professional point of view, me, my team and other members of my profession would be anxious to be able to bring an effective treatment into the professional fields. Patients with this condition feel embarrassed and upset by badly infected toes.”
-Robert Sullivan
MedicalResearch.com: How does the Lunula laser impact fungus/nail growth?
Response: “Lunula uses a dual-diode approach to target the causative infectious agent while fortifying the body’s natural defense mechanisms. This multifaceted approach is the first of its kind, providing patients with a truly effective, yet safe, treatment for onychomycosis.”
Robert Sullivan
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: “The Lunula Laser requires very little time or set-up for physicians or their staff and the device has a pre-set treatment time and output energy. Only four, 12-minute sessions are needed for patients to achieve a minimum of three millimeters of clear nail growth.
Readers should also recognize that:
1. There is no chance of developing microbial resistance to this form of treatment
2. Lunula doesn’t interfere nor interact with any systemic medicine
3. No chance for liver toxicity
4. Treatment protocol is painless, ensuring good patient compliance
5. There is no pain during treatment”
-Robert Sullivan
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: “For long standing and deep seeded nail fungus infections, we should consider repeating the four treatment protocol at the 12 week period, I suspect that we see an improved cure rate.”
– Dr. Zang
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: “Lunula is unique to the industry, Erchonia filed multiple method and device patents specific to Lunula device.”
-Robert Sullivan
MedicalResearch.com: What is the advantage of utilizing a multiple diode approach in the treatment of onychomycosis?
Response: “The 635nm wavelength stimulates immunological to help further degrade the infecting fungus. This wavelength also induces tissue regeneration, increased vascularization, which enables the dual diode approach to accelerate the growth of a clearer, healthier nail.
“The 405nm wavelength provides anti-microbial, antibacterial and antifungal benefits.
“The dual diode approach provided by Erchonia’s Lunula onychomycosis device provides symbiotic wavelengths that enhances the eradication of the infectious agent.”
– Dr. Zang, Robert Sullivan
Visit www.lunula.com for more information on the laser and to order the device.
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Note: Interview provided the manufacturer of Erchonia Lunula Onychomycosis Laser Device
Last Updated on July 20, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD