KCI Introduces the ABThera™ Open Abdomen System

     Kinetic Concepts Inc [San Antonio, Tex] has officially launched the ABThera™ open abdomen negative pressure therapy system, the latest addition to its Negative Pressure Technology Platform (NPTP). The company estimates there are approximately 250,000 open abdomen procedures performed annually within the United States and European Union.

     ABThera addresses patient quality of life through a convenient system designed to assist surgeons in the management and treatment of the “open abdomen” and to help achieve primary fascial closure. The benefits of the new system include active removal of fluid and reduction of edema, providing medial tension that helps minimize fascial retraction and loss of domain, assistance in isolating viscera and abdominal compartment from external environment, separation between the abdominal wall and viscera, and removal of infectious and inflammatory materials from the abdomen. The system can be used adjunctively with other KCI products. In most serious cases, surgeons can use the LifeCell Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix or AlloDerm® Regenerative Tissue Matrix, products from thecompany’s regenerative medicine division, as a bridging material to help achieve wound closure following the application of ABThera.

     Visit www.kci1.com for more information.

Smith & Nephew Launches Acticoat Flex Wound Care Products in the United States

     Smith & Nephew Inc’s Advanced Wound Management division recently announced the US launch of Acticoat™ Flex 3 and Acticoat™ Flex 7, in efforts to expand the Acticoat portfolio. Acticoat Flex products have been designed to support physicians dealing with wounds and injuries at high risk of infection. Utilizing the Silcryst® nanocrystalline silver technology of Acticoat, the Flex line provides enhanced conformability on awkward anatomical areas, such as the face and hands, and breakthrough stretch properties to improve patient comfort during wear. The Flex wound care products were recently cleared for market use by the US Food and Drug Administration and were cleared for use by Health Canada in late 2008. Combining the flexibility of the polyester mesh substrate with the proven effectiveness of Acticoat’s nanocrystalline silver technology is a significant development for the brand. The flex dressing line was a result of the suggestions of healthcare providers and understanding their needs when dealing with wounds in hard to dress areas.

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

New Powder Speeds Healing of Difficult Foot Wounds

     Foot complications such as openwounds and ulcers can be one of the most difficult ailments for a podiatrist to treat. Fortunately, a new wound dressing powder which acts very much like a layer of skin, is proving to speed the healing time and reduce the amount of pain that a patient suffering from a serious foot ulcer would normally experience. This includes open sores on the feet as a result of inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or skin cancer. The study results will be released at the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) 97th Annual Scientific Meeting in Toronto this year.

     This wound powder is especially promising for the nearly 24 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause of non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations in the United States. In a recent APMA survey, 18% of people with diabetes reported that they have experienced a foot sore that would not heal. This powder’s successful treatment of difficult foot wounds could potentially lead to a reduction in amputation rates. The study focused on atypical wounds with irregular shapes and causes. The wounds were treated with the powder dressing once a week for 4–8 weeks. The study ultimately showed that the powder dressing provided a painless, efficient, and protective treatment that assisted in closing the wound. The powder also helped in preparing the wound for further interventions that are sometimes needed, including options like skin grafts or the use of sutures.

     Visit www.apma.org for more information.