Acute Wound Exudate Management with a Next-Generation Advanced Multi-Layered Foam Dressing: A Prospective, Multicenter Study

Introduction: Acute wounds require prompt and effective management to optimize healing outcomes and prevent complications.1 Dressings play a pivotal role in acute wound care by creating an optimal environment conducive to tissue repair.2 While a moist environment is key in wound healing,2 inappropriate exudate management can result in peri-wound maceration, pain, and poor patient wellbeing.3 The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and performance of a next-generation advanced multi-layered foam dressing* in the management of surgical and traumatic wounds.Methods:A prospective, multicenter, interventional, non-comparator, open-label study of surgical and traumatic wounds, managed with either a border, silicone or non-adhesive version of a next-generation advanced multi-layered foam dressing.* Evaluation of the dressing and peri-wound skin occurred during dressing changes at study visits. Excellent wound exudate management was defined by a lack of strike-through and no maceration of the peri-wound skin. The effectiveness of the dressing when used for 7 days was assessed.Results:Fifty-two patients (median patient age, 48.2 years) were included in the study, 53.8% of which had traumatic wounds, and 46.2% had surgical wounds. Five patients did not have their wound exudate analyzed. Of the 224 dressing changes, 209 (93.3%) were associated with excellent exudate management. Of the 15 dressings that were not associated with excellent exudate management, 14 exhibited strike-through alone, and one was associated with both strike-through and peri-wound skin maceration. Overall, 65/224 dressings were used up to the maximum duration per IFU (7 days ± 2 days). Of these, 63/65 (97%) had excelled in exudate management. Two dressing performance evaluations were associated with strike-through, one of which was also associated with maceration of the peri-wound skin.Discussion: The results suggest that this next-generation advanced multi-layered foam dressing* effectively manages exudate, and may be able to promote optimal healing conditions for traumatic and surgical wounds.References:Cox, Ji., Edsberg, L. E., Koloms, K., & VanGilder, C. A. (2022). Pressure Injuries in Critical Care Patients in US Hospitals: Results of the International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Survey. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 49(1), 21–28. https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000000834