Melgisorb^® Ag Ionic Silver Dressing Absorbs More Than Leading Dressings

Mölnlycke Health Care (Norcross, Ga) introduces Melgisorb® Ag, a new antimicrobial ionic silver dressing. The dressing is a nonwoven pad composed of alginate, CMC fibers, and ionic silver. The ionic sliver provides sustained silver release and antibacterial effect up to 4 days. The alginate with the CMC fibers limits maceration to the wound due to low lateral wicking. While in contact with wound exudate, Melgisorb Ag creates a hydrophilic gel, providing a moist environment that facilitates wound healing. Damage of newly formed tissue is reduced and pain is minimized at dressing changes because the gel does not adhere to the wound.

     Indicated for the management of postoperative surgical wounds, leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, graft and donor sites, and trauma wounds; laboratory tests show that Melgisorb Ag absorbs up to 45% more than the market leading silver hydrofiber dressing. The dressing is designed specifically for deep wounds and has a wet strength that allows for removal in 1 piece. The dressing is currently being delivered to hospitals and clinics throughout the United States.

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

V.A.C.^® Therapy Remains Available for Medicare Patients in Home Setting

Kinetic Concepts Inc (San Antonio, Tex) announced that V.A.C.® Therapy will remain available for Medicare patients in the home setting as a result of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008. This Act delays and significantly modifies the Competitive Bidding Program of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Key provisions of the Act affecting KCI include:

     • Exemption of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) from the first round of competitive bidding

     • Termination of all durable medical equipment supplier contracts previously awarded by CMS in the first round of competitive bidding

     • Delay of implementation of the first round of competitive bidding until January 2010

     • Delay of implementation of the second round of competitive bidding until January 2011

     • Imposed reduction of NPWT pricing by 9.5% for Medicare Part B placements, effective January 2009.

     The law effectively delays competitive bidding for NPWT for at least 30 months until January 2011. As a result of this delay, V.A.C. Therapy is immediately available to all Medicare Part B patients in all of the first round competitive bidding areas (CBAs).

     Visit http://www.KCI1.com for more information.