Abstract: Many modern foam wound dressings possess a variety of attributes that are designed to create a supportive wound-healing environment. These attributes include absorbing exudate, providing optimum moisture balance at the wound surface, and preventing maceration of surrounding tissue. However, studies suggest that controlling wound bioburden should also be targeted when developing wound therapeutics. Thus, traditional foam dressings may absorb a copious amount of fluid, but may also provide an environment where microbes can grow unchallenged, leading to an increase in wound bioburden.

Abstract: Our knowledge about wound care has progressed considerably in recent years. Nonetheless there is a continuing need for new topical hydroactive gels in this field. Flamigel® (Flen Pharma NV, Kontich, Belgium) has recently been used on a limited number of burn patients. The hydroactive colloid gel maintains the wound in an ideal moist environment. The polymer in the tube is present in two physical forms—active and inactive.

Abstract: Complex wounds frequently undergo surgical excision and grafting in an attempt to optimize the wound environment and to facilitate wound closure. Individuals who have not responded to conventional non-surgical therapies and dressings may not be good candidates for autologous grafting. A fully flexible, cross-linked, acellular equine pericardium biological xenograft was used to address difficult-to-treat and recalcitrant wounds of the lower extremity.

     Dear Editor: In his excellent review of surgical treatment of the diabetic foot (Surgical management of the diabetic foot, WOUNDS, March 2008), Dr. Caputo correctly points out that decreasing pressure in the ulcer area is crucial to healing the foot ulcers. However, there is important information on successful tendon lengthening treatments including results on follow-up not mentioned in the article. I also have referenced some information published after this article.

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.