Product News May 2010

KCI Launches V.A.C. Via^™Advanced Mobile Healing Technology

  Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (San Antonio, TX) recently introduced V.A.C. Via^™ Therapy System, a next-generation negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) solution that offers clinicians and patients a mobile healing technology with the proven benefits and outcomes of V.A.C.^®Therapy. The new system’s design and engineering brings a combination of the lightest, most mobile, and most intuitive technology in this space to date. For patients, its portable, discreet, easy-to-operate design enables them to return to home or work as seamlessly as possible. For providers, the for-sale model to the hospital may allow for earlier patient discharge by reducing or eliminating the need for insurance authorizations before discharge. Its single-click functionality also makes training and treatment easier than ever. These benefits create potential cost benefits—a hallmark of the NPWT therapy, which has demonstrated reduced length of stay, fewer readmissions, and reduced need for surgeries. Reducing hospital length of stay can deliver significant cost benefits; the average cost of 1 hospital day at a community hospital can be more than $1800. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the system in March 2010 and it is planned for global launch in the third quarter.   Visit www.kci1.com for more information.

Hollister Wound Care Introduces Restore^®Foam Dressings With Triact Advanced^™Technology

  Hollister Wound Care (Libertyville, IL) recently launched the new Restore^®Foam Dressings featuring Triact Advanced^™Technology at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care ([SAWC] April 17–19, 2010) in Orlando, Florida. Triact Advanced Technology represents the newest advancement in foam dressings and the latest innovation from the company. The technology is a lipido-colloid formulation that is incorporated onto the dressing surface. The advanced interface differs from current silicone-based dressings in that it contains hydrocolloid (CMC) particles, which gels in the presence of exudate and provides a moist healing interface between the wound and the dressing. The protective gel not only allows virtually pain-free removal of the dressing, but also maintains a moist wound interface for the duration of the indicated wear time.   The features of the new foam dressings provide the following key benefits: • The Triact Advanced properties at the wound interface help prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound, while providing gentle micro-adherence to the periwound skin for one-handed application • Upon contact with exudate, a protective gel forms allowing for virtually pain-free dressing changes • A super-absorbent foam pad provides vertical wicking and containment of exudate, protecting the periwound skin from maceration • A semi-permeable backing has high moisture vapor transmission rate, which helps reduce maceration and preserve wound margins.   Visit www.hollisterwoundcare.com for more information.

ConvaTec Launches Aquacel^®Ag Surgical Cover Dressings with Hydrofiber^®Technology

  ConvaTec (Skillman, NJ) recently announced the launch of Aquacel^®Ag Surgical cover dressings, which are now available in the United States for the postoperative care of surgical incisions. The dressings feature the company’s patented Hydrofiber® Technology. The technology powers the surgical cover dressings by absorbing and locking in fluids and harmful bacteria. Evidence shows significant reduction in the incidence of superficial surgical site infection, skin blistering, and delayed discharge when compared to a non-woven postoperative surgical cover dressing regimen. The construction of the dressings provides a waterproof, viral, and bacterial barrier that allows for flexibility and extensibility during body movement. The design of the cover dressings has been proven to handle postoperative challenges—complications that can translate to increased time, expense, and concern for the patient’s well being. Clinicians caring for patients with acute and chronic wounds from all over the world are familiar with the benefits of the Hydrofiber Technology, which are now available to the surgical community in an easy-to-use solution for their postoperative needs.   Visit www.convatec.com for more information.

Smith & Nephew Highlight Allevyn^™Triple-Action Technology and Innovation

  The Advanced Wound Management Division of Smith & Nephew Inc (St. Petersburg, Fla), a subsidiary of Smith & Nephew plc recently highlighted the Allevyn^™difference with its enhanced triple-action technology and dynamic moisture control at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care ([SAWC] April 17-19, 2010) in Orlando, Florida. The triple-action technology leverages today’s most advanced materials— a direct result of 23 years of innovation, research, and refinement. This is the only dressing that offers such advanced technology where the three layers of the dressing work together to manage moisture. The company’s Reactic^™film is a hydrodynamic top film that actively responds to changing exudate levels. The film is different because it can ‘switch on’ to evaporate more moisture when fluid levels are high and ‘switch off’ when the fluid levels are low, optimizing wound closure. The second layer, the hydrocellular foam is different because it allows for rapid fluid uptake and vertical wicking. The advanced foam core moves exudate up vertically and locks in moisture until it evaporates, leading to 46% more fluid handling and less risk for maceration. The wound contact layer offers secure, gentle contact making the difference in patient satisfaction and comfort. This third layer wicks moisture to reduce leakage and maceration and provides a barrier to exogenous bacteria.   Visit www.smith-nephew.com for more information.

Wound Management Technologies Inc Announces Enhanced Web Site with New Diabetic Sub-Site and Newsletter

  Wound Management Technologies Inc (Fort Worth, Tex) recently announced that its subsidiary Wound Care Innovations LLC (Fort Lauderdale, Fla) launched a new section for patients on their CellerateRx^® web site. The new area of the web site is intended to help patients with diabetes learn how the advanced wound care collagen product, CellerateRx may help them. It focuses on information for homebound patients that suffer with acute or chronic diabetic wounds and are looking for a safe, effective, and easy-to-use product. The sub-site provides understandable product information and application guidelines. It also has an area to print product information to take to a healthcare provider.   The company also announced its first newsletter, Activated Collagen^™News. This reoccurring newsletter features up-to-date information about diabetes and other wound types, as well as a segment entitled, "Meet the Wound Care Expert." One area will focus on patient specific experiences with the collagen product. The current issue features a patient who had a non-healing wound for 10 years prior to using the collagen product. The newsletter can be found on the www.celleraterx.com web site under the About Us section.   Visit www.Celleraterx.com or www.wmgtech.com for more information.