New Data Support ConvaTec Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

     ConvaTec (Skillman, NJ) announced the publication of new data demonstrating positive clinical results achieved with the Engenex® Advanced Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) system. The system utilizing low pressure (75 mmHg) and EasyRelease™ dressings incorporating Bio-Dome™ Interface Technology is designed to safely and effectively promote the healing of difficult wounds.

     The case series study, published in the June issue of Ostomy Wound Management, evaluated use of the next generation NPWT system in the management of complex surgical and traumatic wounds. Following the application of the NPWT system in a protocol of care, all three cases demonstrated a marked progression toward wound healing, with reduced wound volume and development of healthy granulated tissue. Clinicians also observed that the dressing, which was developed specifically for use with the NPWT system, was well tolerated, with no tissue growth into the dressing, “little to no” disturbance of the granulation bed during dressing changes, and “little to no” bleeding or trauma on removal of the dressing.

     In December 2008 the company signed a long-term global exclusive license agreement with Boehringer Technologies (Ridgefield, Conn) to market and distribute the Engenex® NPWT System incorporating Bio-Dome™ Interface Technology. Every aspect of the System, from the wound interface to the user interface, has been designed to attain optimal clinical outcomes as well as a simplified application and monitoring system for patient care.

     Visit www.convatec.com for more information.

Validity of KCI’s Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Patents Confirmed

     Kinetic Concepts Inc ([KCI] San Antonio, Tex) announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued Office actions confirming the validity of three separate patents licensed to KCI by Wake Forest University (Winston Salem, NC) Health Sciences in re-examination proceedings. The patents associated with this decision include US Patent Numbers 5,636,643 (the ‘643 Patent), 5,645,081 (the ‘081 Patent), and 7,216,651 (the ‘651 Patent), which all relate to KCI’s negative pressure wound therapy technologies. The USPTO has provided public notice of its intent to issue certificates of re-examination affirming the validity of key claims in the ‘643 Patent and the ‘081 Patent. The USPTO also issued a formal Office action confirming the validity of all claims in the ‘651 Patent.

     Visit www.KCI1.com for more information.

Medtrade Presents Sigvaris Compression Therapy Fitter Seminar with Online Tutorial

     Medtrade, (Alpharetta, Ga) the largest event in the home medicalequipment industry has collaborated with Sigvaris (Winterthur, Switzerland) to offer home medical equipment providers with online education and the opportunity to become a certified fitter of compression therapy products. The online educational session has been available since August 14, 2009 and will work in tandem with a 1-day seminar that will take place on October 12, 2009 at the Georgia World Congress Center ([GWCC] Atlanta, Ga) as part of the Medtrade Pre-conference. The purpose of the online and live Basic Fitter Training Course is to advance HME and medical professionals’ knowledge of compression therapy in treating venous disease, lymphedema, and other medical conditions.

     Visit www.medtrade.com/medtrade/conference/online-ed for more information.