Abstract: Following standard care, nonhealing lower extremity (LE) ulcers were managed with a bacterial cellulose (BC) wound dressing, Dermafill™, (AMD/Ritmed, Tonawanda, NY), derived from Acetobacter xylinum. The time to 75% reduction in wound size was compared in 11 chronic wounds before and after the application of BC. The mean period of observation before the application of BC was 315 days; (95% CI: 239–392 days). With the application of BC to these chronic wounds, the mean time to 75% epithelization was reduced to 81 days (95% CI: 50–111 days) with a median of 79 days.

     The authors randomized 42 patients with venous stasis ulcers who were divided to receive either a nonadherent silver-based foam dressing or a nonadherent foam. The authors reported faster healing in the silver foam group. The authors are to be commended on comparing newer, “advanced” wound technologies in a randomized trial. The vast majority of trials seem to compare an “advanced” method to moist gauze. Additionally, there are added complexities in performing a randomized clinical study.

Abstract: Cadexomer iodine (CI) was evaluated as a palliative wound care dressing for foot ulcers in chronic critical limb ischemia (CCLI) given its ability to prevent infection and absorb moisture. Methods. A retrospective study of 11 patients with CCLI and wounds on distal lower extremities that were treated with cadexomer iodine. The product was applied topically on a daily basis. Wounds were debrided cautiously to minimize blood loss. Patients were monitored in the clinic on a weekly to biweekly basis. Results.

ConvaTec Acquires Exclusive Rights for NPWT System

     ConvaTec (Skillman, NJ) recently signed a long-term global exclusive license agreement with Boehringer Technologies (Ridgefield, Conn) to market and distribute Boehringer’s Engenex® Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) System incorporating Bio-Dome™ Interface Technology.