International Best Practices Introduced for V.A.C.® Therapy The first comprehensive publication of international best practices for the use of KCI’s V.A.C.® Therapy (KCI, San Antonio, Tex) was introduced at the Third Congress of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies in Toronto, Canada.

Entitled, Principles for Best Practice—Vacuum Assisted Closure: Recommendations for Use, A Consensus Document, the document was developed by an international expert working group to provide guidance on the successful integration of the V.A.C. into clinical practice for the treatment of 6 selected wound types.

The consensus document outlines recommendations for the use of the V.A.C. in diabetic foot ulcers, complex leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, dehisced sternal wounds, open abdominal wounds, and traumatic wounds. The document also summarizes numerous key studies on the use of the therapy for these types of wounds and considers quality of life and cost-effectiveness—both important factors when evaluating treatment.  

Visit http://www.kci1.com for more information.

Interactive Solutions® Algorithms Offers Streamlined, User Friendly Approach ConvaTec (Skillman, NJ) announced the company has received a prestigious International Award for Excellence (IN-AWE) in this year’s annual competition. The Healthcare Communication and Marketing Association (HCMA), sponsors of the awards, presented ConvaTec with a Bronze Award in the Medical Education/Interactive category for its interactive CD-ROM-based “Solutions® Algorithm for Skin and Wound Care,” an evidence-based wound assessment and treatment guideline available to help healthcare professionals make correct wound treatment decisions.

The Solutions Algorithm printed manuals have been content validated by multiple groups of wound care professionals and global opinion leaders. In 2007, Solutions Algorithms was accepted by the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) as the only content-validated algorithm for pressure ulcers and lower extremity ulcers in the United States.

Visit http://www.convatec.com for more information.

Website Promotes Clinical Information and Resources DM Systems Inc (Evanston, Ill), manufacturer of the Heelift® Suspension Boot, launched a website to specifically focus on clinical information and more in-depth product knowledge for its Heelift line.

The new site explains the manner in which the Suspension Boot, Traction Boot, and Elbowlift® Suspension Pad aid in the prevention and treatment of heel pressure ulcers, ulnar neuritis, and olecranon bursitis.

The website will serve as a resource center that includes streaming video, testimonials, and literature accessible for customers to download (www.heelift.com).   Visit http://www.dmsystems.com for more information.

Gaymar Industries Acquires Special Gel Components Producer Gaymar Industries (Orchard Park, NY) announced that the company has acquired the assets of Sunshine Manufacturing, LC, (Alpine Utah) a manufacturer of specialty gel components. The terms of the sale between the two private parties were not disclosed.

Gaymar Industries also acquired a new license agreement that gives the company exclusive worldwide rights to new gel technologies, offering for potential new medical mattress products. The company’s strategic plans include a variety of objectives to provide a wide range of pressure ulcer management products in order to address its customers’ support surface needs.

The acquisition will result in additional production capacity being added immediately.

Visit http://www.gaymar.com for more information.

Human Trial Planned for Wound Treatment Tissue Therapies Ltd (Brisbane, Australia) will expand its clinical trial of the VitroGro® treatment for wound healing in chronic ulcers and burns to include a human trial in Perth, Australia, expected to begin in August.

The Perth trial is anticipated to complement a planned human trial in Toronto, Canada, which is still pending final regulatory approval.

The trial will focus on the treatment of venous ulcers, while the Toronto study will also include diabetic and pressure ulcers.

The two trials are anticipated to be highly complementary and the data from both trials are expected to validate the performance of the product.

Visit http://www.tissuetherapies.com for more information.

ULURU Acquires Bio Med Sciences Inc ULURU Inc (Addison, Tex) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bio Med Sciences Inc (Allentown, Pa) for $10 million, subject to adjustment based on revenue targets.

The company plans to fund the acquisition through internally generated funds supported by revolving and term debt. The purchase will give ULURU additional complementary products, manufacturing, product development, and other resources along with a commercial base to more rapidly develop a presence in the wound and burn care markets.

Visit http://www.uluruinc.com for more information.