Smith & Nephew to Launch New Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems
       Smith & Nephew (Largo, Fla) will announce the North American launch of its new portable negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems, EZCARE^™ and V1STA^™ at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 29, 2008 through March 1, 2008.
       The EZCARE standard system and V1STA portable system have achieved clinical results at low pressure (£ 80 mmHg), ultimately allowing better patient comfort and compliance. A panel of experts will convene to discuss the safety and evolution of NPWT systems and its potential future role in conjunction with the launch of Smith & Nephew’s new NPWT product line.
       Visit http://www.smith-nephew.com for more information.

AtmosAir^® V Mattress Replacement System Assists in Pressure Ulcer Prevention
       Kinetic Concepts Inc (San Antonio, Tex) introduced its new mattress replacement system (MRS), the AtmosAir^® V-series MRS. The product is designed to assist hospitals in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
       The V-series is the only nonpowered Self-Adjusting Technology^™ (SAT) mattress on the market. The mattress system keeps patients at an appropriate level of pressure redistribution and does not require power or patient adjustment. The mattress accommodates a wide range of hospital bed frames and stretchers and is compatible with the Hill-Rom VersaCare^® (Batesville, Ind) frame.
       Visit http://www.kci1.com for more information.

Anacapa Technologies Releases Silver-Sept^™ Antimicrobial Gel
       Anacapa Technologies Inc (San Dimas, Calif) announced the release of Silver-Sept^™ Silver Antimicrobial Skin & Wound Gel. Silver-Sept is a clear, amorphous hydrogel that will not stain or discolor tissue, is nonirritating, nonsensitizing, and noncytotoxic.
       Silver-Sept at 200 µg/g of silver, exhibits outstanding antimicrobial barrier properties even in the presence of organic substances in wound fluid that are know to interfere and inhibit the action of antimicrobial agents. It is effective against bacteria including the antibiotic resistant strains MRSA and VRE, as well as Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.
       Silver-Sept has been shown to maintain a high level of antimicrobial effectiveness for up to 3 days. The gel is available in 1.5-oz and 3-oz tubes.
       Visit http://www.anacapa-tech.net for more information.