A New Angle On VAC Therapy

If you already use negative pressure wound therapy, a new dressing can provide an effective complement to the modality. The VAC® GranuFoam™ Heel Dressing is designed for heel wounds and its foam and dressings contour to fit the shape of the patient’s foot. The KCI product also features open pores that allow for even distribution of the VAC therapy across the wound bed. The company adds that the non-absorbent dressing aids in removing exudate. In addition, the dressing has a TRAC™ Pad bridge on top of the foot, which allows the patient to change dressings more quickly, according to KCI. It notes that using the TRAC technology enables you to maintain the target pressure at the wound site. Company: KCI Product: VAC® GranuFoam™ Heel Dressing For more info, circle 399 on your reader service card. A Skin Softener With No Substitution The latest in skin softeners contains a unique ingredient. Vanamide™ Urea Cream 40% can be used to treat xerosis and is a softener for skin and nails. Manufacturer Dermik Laboratories says the cream contains gluconolactone polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and notes there is no generic substitution for the product. Vanamide, which can be used for enzymatic debridement, offers emollient and keratolytic properties. Dermik notes that the product facilitates the normal healing of surface lesions if healing is impeded by local infection, necrotic tissue, eschar or fibrinous or purulent debris. The 85g tube is for topical use only. Company: Dermik Laboratories Product: Vanamide™ Urea Cream 40% For more information, circle 400 on your reader service card. Ski Orthotic Is No Uphill Battle With the winter months ahead, your patients may be looking for an orthotic which lets them hit the slopes. The Skithotic® is designed just for skiing and skating. The orthotic from Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is streamlined, small and lightweight at 1.5 mm and 3 ounces. Its seamless interface between the plantar surface of the foot to the ski boot and the ski enhances the patient’s contact with the snow, according to the company. Northwest adds that the device’s ability to leverage lower leg pressure to the ski’s inside edge facilitates greater edge control, balance and stability. The full-length graphite composite also uses the company’s Proprioceptive Forefoot Extension™ to improve sensory feedback. Company: Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, Inc. Product: Skithotic® For more information, circle 401 on your reader service card A More Natural Gait Are you searching for a cast that can give your patients a more normal range of motion? The CastWalker® can improve the mobility of your patients by providing a swing-through motion that is closer to a natural gait, which helps foster a more active lifestyle, according to the product’s manufacturer DM Systems. Emphasizing the quick application of the device, the company says the device is available in three sizes and can be trimmed to fit different size feet. The product is now in brand new packaging for easier use. The new clear clamshell container is complete with the CastWalker®, adhesive tube and instructions for application. Company: DM Systems Product: CastWalker® For more information, circle 402 on your reader service card. Implants Point To The Future Add two new implants to your armamentarium of treatments for forefoot arthroplasty. Offering updated versions of prostheses, Futura Biomedical says the Classic Great Toe and the Lesser Metatarsal Phalangeal implants now utilize UltraSil™ elastomer materials. There are other modifications as well. The Classic Great Toe implant features an axial offset hinge and a rib which reinforces the plantar aspect. The Lesser Metatarsal Phalangeal implant is indicated for avascular necrosis, subluxed or dislocated joints, arthritis pain and pain from previous trauma or surgery. Both models feature anatomical stems. Company: Futura Biomedical Products: The Classic Great Toe implant and the Lesser Metatarsal Phalangeal implant For more information, circle 403 on your reader service card. Accurately Checking Glucose Levels Checking blood sugar levels is a constant reality for your diabetic patients. A new technology can help your patients test themselves anywhere. The Accu-Chek Compact® system has a unique drum with 17 test strips, which eliminates the need to handle test strips, according to the manufacturer Roche Diagnostics. The device also offers infrared technology. The company’s Accu-Chek Pocket Compass Diabetes Care Software allows patients to transmit their glucose levels to a handheld computer with the Palm OS platform. This means diabetic patients can record their levels at any time and place, according to Roche. Company: Roche Diagnostics Product: Accu-Chek Compact® For more information, circle 404 on your reader service card. No More Fretting About Fungus A new soap is taking advantage of the ancient remedy of tree oil to help prevent re-infection. FungaSoap™ was created by a DPM and washes away fungi and bacteria to relieve athlete’s foot and other irritations. PediFix, the manufacturer of the product, says you can use it alone or as a complement to oral and topical medications. FungaSoap is available over the counter and PediFix also has a professional dispensing program that allows you to sell it right in your office. Company: PediFix Product: FungaSoap™ For more information, circle 405 on your reader service card.