Zassi Medical Evolutions Sells Bowel Management System to Hollister Zassi Medical Evolutions Inc. (Fernandina Beach, Fla) sold its award winning Zassi Bowel Management System product line to Hollister Incorporated (Libertyville, Ill). Hollister is a global healthcare company engaged in more than 90 countries on 6 continents. The bowel management system was launched in the United States in 2003 and was the first product of its kind in the medical device marketplace. The catheter-based system is designed to effectively and reliably divert, collect, and contain potentially harmful and contaminated fecal waste from bedridden or immobilized patients in all healthcare settings. The system helps protect patients and caregivers from fecal contamination by providing a level of sanitation and skin and wound protection never before possible. Since 2005, the product line also has been introduced in several key international markets, including the European Union. Visit http://www.zassimedical.com or http://www.hollister.com for more information. Sylcryst™ Nanocrystalline Coating Recognized for Achievement Nucryst Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Wakefield, Mass) announces that Acticoat™ Burn Dressing (Smith & Nephew, Largo, Fla) with Nucryst’s Silcryst™ nanocrystalline silver coating has been recognized by Nanotech Briefs for innovation in medical nanotechnology. Nanotech Briefs is the monthly digital publication from the publishers of NASA Tech Briefs. The dressing was named in the “Nano 50” product category. This distinction recognizes the top 50 technologies, products, and innovators that have significantly impacted or are expected to impact nanotechnology. A panel of nanotechnology experts judged the nominees. The technologies, products, and innovators that received the 50 highest scores were named Nano 50 award winners. Advanced wound care products with this nanocrystalline coating are sold in more than 30 countries around the world. These dressings are used for a wide variety of wound types by hospitals, clinics, burn centers, doctors’ offices, home healthcare agencies, and nursing homes. Call 212-777-2220 or email carrie@southardinc.com for more information. DM Systems Offers Product Training Videos DM Systems (Evanston, Ill) offers new training and application videos on 3 wound care products: the Heelift® Suspension Boot, the Heelift® Traction Boot, and the Elbowlift® Suspension Pad. The new programs are now available on either CD or DVD. The videos offer guidance on the products’ ease of application and include thorough demonstrations led by Dr. Denis B. Drennan, President of DM Systems, for each product. The new slimmer design and easy-to-use closure features of the suspension boot and the traction boot also are emphasized. In addition to the videos, the CD-ROM also includes PDF files of a case study, wound care literature, and a survey regarding the product’s usage and success. The improved features of the suspension boot and traction boot create more comfort for the patient and offer more functionality for the healthcare provider. Proven to be effective in prevention and treatment of heel ulcers, these suspension boots maximize patient comfort while providing a pressure-free environment. Visit http://www.dmsystems.com/videos.html for a complimentary copy of the CD or DVD. Derma Sciences Receives FDA Approval for its Next-Generation Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Wound Dressing Derma Sciences, Inc. (Princeton, NJ) announces US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of ALGICELL™ Ag Calcium Alginate Wound Dressing with Antimicrobial Silver, a next-generation product for patients who require a topical antimicrobial as part of their advanced wound management protocol. Advanced wound care is estimated to be a $1 billion market and growing 10%–15% per year. This will be the first silver alginate dressing available that offers the full benefit of antimicrobial ionic silver combined with the proven wound management properties of pure alginate fibers. Additionally, the product will be priced cost effectively to help reduce the common cost burden associated with silver antimicrobial dressings. The dressing consists of 1.4% silver (released in its ionic form) and a proprietary blend of mannuronic and guluronic alginic acids. After significant internal research and development, 1.4% was shown to provide the ideal level of silver to achieve maximum antimicrobial effectiveness without harming healthy tissue. Ionic silver has been shown to have strong antimicrobial effectiveness against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. The silver ions in the dressing are slowly released in a controlled fashion to provide constant protection and extended wear-times. The proprietary blend of alginic acids is designed to provide an optimal gelling profile, promote a moist wound environment conducive for wound healing, and ease dressing removal, while minimizing fibrous residue commonly associated with these types of dressings. The dressing is made with more material than the leading brand, improving absorption by 16% and allowing for fewer dressings to fill deep wound cavities. Pricing has been established to more closely reflect the reimbursement levels of these dressings, currently a serious issue for wound care providers attempting to cover costs while still providing optimal care through the use of antimicrobial silver dressings. Visit http://www.dermasciences.com for more information. Swiss-American Protease-Enhanced Products Aid Healing Swiss-American Products (Dallas, Tex) introduces results from a recent study on the company’s Protease TechnologySM enhanced line of skin and wound care products. Results from laboratory and clinical testing indicate Elta Protease Technology deactivates detrimental components that inhibit healing while preserving others needed for healing. The testing showed a significant reduction of harmful proteins found in nonhealing wounds, thus enhancing the environment for healing. One study, conducted by the University of Florida, was presented at the Wound Healing Society annual meeting held in May 2006. The presentation, “Elta Hydrovase Wound Dressing Components Degrade Proteins Detrimental to Wound Healing,” showed the protease blend acts on key proteins known to impair wound healing. The protease blend is nonsteroidal, contains no anesthetics or antihistamines, and is easily incorporated into various delivery formulations. Protease-enhanced products are available only from Swiss-American. Visit http://www.elta.net for more information. |