New V.A.C.® Simplace™ Dressing Features, V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ and 3M™ Tegaderm™ Dressings

     Kinetic Concepts Inc (San Antonio, Tex) announced the launch of its new V.A.C.® Simplace™ dressing that features both a newly designed V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ dressing and a 3M™ Tegaderm™ dressing designed exclusively for use with KCI’s proprietary V.A.C.® Therapy System. The design of the new dressings makes the dressing changing process easier, faster, and more intuitive to apply.

     Several new features are incorporated into the new dressings. The new spiral shaped V.A.C. GranuFoam dressing is pre-scored and reduces the need to cut the foam, making it easier to place in the wound site. The 3M Tegaderm dressing conforms to the body and flexes with the skin to help ensure that an optimal environment is established for wound healing.

     Patients may also benefit from the proprietary adhesives that are incorporated into the Tegaderm dressing, which can improve comfort and flexibility of the dressing. These new features coupled with the ease of application should help improve compliance with the therapy. The new additions will ensure that patients are receiving the maximal therapeutic benefit of V.A.C. Therapy.

     Visit www.kci1.comfor more information.

Smith & Nephew Introduces Foam Dressing Kit

     The Advanced Wound Management Division of Smith & Nephew (St. Petersburg, Fla) recently introduced a foam dressing kit for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). The launch of the foam kit represents the first time wound care professionals will have the freedom to select either a gauze or foam wound interface from a single NPWT device manufacturer. The new dressing kits will be supplied sterile and available in four sizes. An official launch is scheduled for the first quarter of 2009.

     Visit www.smith-nephew.com for more information.

New Wound Care Camera Computes Wound Measurements

     IP2Biz (Atlanta, Ga) announced that wound specialty nurses at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia are testing a prototype wound measurement camera. The handheld device determines and captures wound boundaries and wound area using proprietary software and low-cost hardware. The device provides fast, accurate, and repeatable digital documentation of wound progression, a necessary component to validate payment from insurance and government agencies.

     Nurses using the device find that it easily fits in the hand and can be operated with just one click. This gives them confidence that the measurements can be repeated consistently. It is a great improvement over the current methods. The device was designed to address a key and growing need in wound management. The device does not require patient contact and provides maximum infection control. The simple design of the camera is ideal for use in a wide range of environments.

     Visit www.ip2biz.com for more information.

Lescarden Enters Distribution Agreement for Catrix® Wound Dressing in the UK

     Lescarden Inc (New York, NY) has entered into a distribution agreement with Cranage Healthcare Ltd (Congleton, England) to market Lescarden’s proprietary Catrix® wound dressing in the UK and Ireland.

     Catrix wound dressing utilizes bovine cartilage that has been refined into a fine white powder. Extensive clinical testing shows that the dressing is an effective aid in the healing of wounds that are resistant to the healing process. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the dressing for the management of first and second degree burns as well as decubitus ulcers, venous stasis, and diabetic ulcers post radiation dermatitis. Regulatory marketing approvals and product reimbursement arrangements are being secured and an official product launch is scheduled for 2009.

     Visit www.catrix.com for more information.