Industry Innovation

Traditionally, the July issue of Ostomy Wound Management has been our annual Buyers Guide, a directory of incontinence, ostomy, skin, support, and wound care products. These listings have been moved online to www.WOUNDS360bg.com, a dynamic forum that not only features constantly updated product information and photos, but also opportunity for clinician feedback. In lieu of the usual directory format and in keeping with the theme of this issue, we invited manufacturers to describe their most innovative product. We hope this endeavor will entice OWM readers to make frequent use of the online Buyers Guide and to weigh in and share experiences with the products and services presented. The editors are grateful to our industry partners for participating in this effort.

CONTINENCE CARE

Vitala™ Continence Control Device ConvaTec

  For many people living with a colostomy, gas, odor, and incontinence are everyday challenges that affect quality of life and disrupt work productivity with frequent and inconvenient pouch changes, worry, and embarrassment. The restoration of fecal continence by nonsurgical means for this population has been an elusive goal.

  The Vitala™ Continence Control Device (CCD) temporarily returns to colostomates the fecal continence they had before ostomy surgery. It employs a soft, conformable seal that prevents release of stool from the colon while allowing the release and deodorization of flatus.

  A multicenter, open-label, feasibility study was conducted to assess the safety and performance of the Vitala™ CCD when worn with SUR-FIT Natura® Moldable Technology™ Skin Barrier products over a 12-hour period. The study found that because it reduces stoma vibration during the release of gas, Vitala™ CCD effectively reduces or eliminates noise while being worn. The study also found it may be worn for up to 12 hours per 24 hour-period, during which time the user may engage in normal activities that may not feel comfortable while wearing a pouch. The device may be worn during swimming, bathing, sports, or intimate moments with increased confidence.

Lavin Lift Strap Lavin Inc.

  The Lavin Lift Strap product and process allows one caregiver to safely change and clean incontinent, bedridden patients and patients with wounds.

  For catheter insertion or treatment of leg wounds, caregivers often have to turn the patient and/or hold up the patient’s legs for long periods of time while such procedures are being performed. Using the Lavin Lift Strap along with existing patient lifts, the leg will be safely suspended while the procedures are performed. This new process may encourage care providers to change patients more often, avoiding pressure ulcers and skin breakdown.

  For information, please email Manuel Lavin at: Manuel@lavinlift.com.

OSTOMY CARE

Flexi-Seal™ FMS ConvaTec

  Flexi-Seal is a breakthrough in managing fecal incontinence, restoring patients’ dignity and minimizing complications while putting patients’ safety and the needs of caregivers first.

  When we designed Flexi-Seal™ FMS, we listened to the needs of everyone who deals with critical care patients in order to effectively contain fecal waste and protect patients from complications such as pressure ulcers or C. difficile (a dangerous nosocomial infection). We spoke to nurses, ICU managers, and administrators who are trying to achieve better results with fewer resources and we heard the same story from everyone: a highly efficient system was needed that could offer better protection, better care, and better use of hospital resources. That is why we created Flexi-Seal™ FMS, a system that can help prevent skin breakdown, raise the standard of patient care, and is scientifically proven to effectively contain C. difficile.

SKIN CARE

TENA® Skin Caring Products SCA

  Wash Cream for 3-in-1 perineal care is pH-balanced 5.5 for optimal skin health. This unique, 3-in-1 product cleanses, moisturizes, and protects the skin to help maintain integrity while effectively eliminating odors and avoiding the normal clogging of the surface of absorbent products. It cleans, moisturizes, and protects in one easy step without disrupting the skin’s natural protective mantle. Its risk management benefits include helping improve quality of care and avoiding potential survey issues. Using the wash cream helps reduce the time needed to perform perineal skin care by up to 80%.

  Another innovative product, new TENA® Protective Cream with Zinc, is designed to help protect and maintain sensitive skin. It will not clog the surface of absorbent products. The product is applied in a thin layer that is absorbed, allows visualization of the skin, and is easy to remove without harsh rubbing. It helps enhance dignity while serving as a superior, cost-effective alternative to expensive barrier creams used to protect sensitive skin and helps reduce survey risks.

WOUND CARE

ADAPTIC TOUCH® Systagenix Non-Adhering Silicone Dressing

  A product evaluation published in Wounds UK demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of Systagenix’s new silicone dressing ADAPTIC TOUCH® as a primary wound contact layer that addresses the needs of both patients and healthcare professionals. The study reviewed a cross-section of sources including in vitro and in vivo studies, focus groups, and case reports on the use of ADAPTIC TOUCH® in treating acute or chronic wounds. The evidence base shows clearly to clinicians that ADAPTIC TOUCH® offers a nonadherent, silicone-based primary contract layer that provides ease of application, free flow of exudate to the secondary dressing, and minimal or no trauma on removal. As demonstrated in the study, the dressing stays in place in articulating surfaces, allowing mobilization and rehabilitation to take place. The findings were confirmed in a case study series presented by Cardiff University at EWMA in Brussels 2011. Evidence: Ivins N, Harding KG. A series of case studies using a non-adhering silicone dressing. Poster presented at EWMA 2011. Bianchi J, Gray D. Product review: ADAPTIC TOUCH® non-adherent dressing. Wounds UK. 2011;7(1):120–123. Stephens S, et al. Evaluation of a non-adhering silicone wound contact dressing with optimised design for the management of dry to heavily exuding wounds (in vitro/vivo). Poster presented at Wounds UK. 2010. Stephens S, et al. Evaluation of the properties of a non-adhering silicone primary wound contact layer (in vitro). Poster presented at Wounds UK. 2010. Stephens S, et al. Evaluation of the free passage of fluid through a non-adhering silicone wound contact layer (in vitro). Poster presented at Wounds UK. 2010. Stephens S, et al. Ease of handling study of a silicone coated primary wound contact layer. Poster presented at WIC 2011.

AQUACEL® Ag dressing ConvaTec

  AQUACEL® Ag dressing, with Hydrofiber® Technology, is a versatile primary dressing indicated for moderate to highly exuding wounds where there is an infection or an increased risk of infection. To test the ability of AQUACEL® Ag dressing to kill superbugs, researchers at ConvaTec recently conducted an in vitro study of a silver-containing wound dressing in which A. baumannii, C. difficile, CA-MRSA, or ESBL-producing bacteria were placed on the dressing for 7 days. Following incubation, bacteria was evaluated at 4, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, and again at 7 days. Models were re-inoculated with a fresh culture after 72 hours and monitored for bacteria survival.

  The silver wound dressing killed the superbugs within 7 days. The dressing killed ESBL-producing bacteria and A. baumannii quickly, with an approximate 100,000-fold reduction of all pathogens within 24 hours. The rate of kill for C. difficile was rapid, with an approximate 100,000-fold reduction after 4 hours. The dressing also killed CA-MRSA bacteria with a 100-fold reduction in bacterial population within 48 hours and no bacteria detected by day 7.¹

  AQUACEL® Ag dressing is used on more wounds in the US than any other advanced antimicrobial dressing.²
     1. Welsby S, Towers V, Joseph A, Booth R, Hogarth A, Bowler P. The In Vitro Susceptibility of ‘Superbugs’ to a Silver-Containing Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose Wound Dressing. Poster Presented at the 24th Annual Symposium on Advanced Wound Care and Wound Healing Society Meeting. Dallas, TX. April 15-17, 2011.
     2. According to the HPIS data for Q4 2010.

ClickCare iClickCare

  ClickCare is software for healthcare providers to collaborate securely for the patient using pictures and words on the computer over the internet.

  Now on the iPhone, iClickCare has a totally innovative feature than securely allows the patient or family to directly work with the collaborative specialists, online.

  Given a secure code, the special family member invitee opens up a secure, private view of the medical collaboration for that particular visit. This invitee may add a comment, view subsequent responses in the collaboration, and even add a picture.

  Family members rave about this feature and empowerment. Their satisfaction spreads to the caregivers and helps the patient.

Kendall™ AMD Covidien Antimicrobial Dressings

  Kendall AMD Antimicrobial Dressings from Covidien are part of a proven prophylactic infection prevention program. Clinical studies support the use of prophylactic measures to help prevent the occurrence of infections.

  Unlike ordinary sterile dressings that do not kill bacteria, Kendall AMD Antimicrobial Dressings contain polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), a bacteria-killing polymer that virtually eliminates bacterial penetration and growth within the products.

  The Kendall AMD family of dressings are effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including MRSA and VRE, as well as yeast and fungi.

  Kendall AMD Antimicrobial Dressings are simple to use because they are compatible with most other products used in wound care and the dressings do not require activation. Simply take the dressing out of the package and apply.

  For more information visit: www.KendallAMD.com

NPWT Wound Kits Kalypto Medical

  The key component of Kalypto Medical’s innovative negative pressure wound therapy system is the proprietary dressing technology. Different from other NPWT dressing systems, each dressing is only one piece and consists of a minimally adherent, antimicrobial Silverlon® wound contact layer, a non-woven absorbent pad to wick and lock exudate, a self-sealing gel gasket to maintain negative pressure, and a peel-and-stick adhesive border to secure the dressing to the patient. This dressing design eliminates the need for a canister and allows the treatment of shallow chronic ulcers with NPWT. The integrated design also makes a smaller, portable pump that facilitates patient mobility, compliance, and clinician ease-of-use. Additionally, as a single piece, the system reduces the time spent applying a dressing, driving clinical cost savings. The dressings are available in a variety of shapes and fluid capacities to address different clinical needs.

Procellera™ Wound Dressing Vomaris Innovations

  Bioelectric phenomena in living systems have been investigated for several decades. It is well-known from the literature that keratinocytes, neutrophils, mast cells, and microbes migrate in the presence of low-level microcurrents,¹ and that application of close proximity electrically active wound dressings to injured sites has been shown to augment wound healing.^2-5 Procellera™ Antimicrobial Wound Dressing consists of a matrix of biocompatible “micro-batteries”; when activated in the presence of a conductive fluid, the dressing is designed to generate a sustained electrical microcurrent at the device surface. This technology is based on a unique biophysical mechanism of action resulting from low-levels of electrical energy produced within the device. It is wireless, self-contained, can be cut to fit, and requires no external power supply. Procellera™ is indicated for professional use for partial- and full-thickness wounds such as pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, burns, surgical incisions, and donor and/or recipient graft sites.
     1. Vanable JW. Integumentary potentials and wound healing. In : Borgens RB, Robinson KR, Vanable JW, McGinnis ME (eds). Fields in Invertebrate Repair. New York, NY: Alan R. Liss;1989: 171–224.
     2. Wolcott LE, Wheeler PC, Hardwicke HM, Rowley BA. Accelerated healing of skin ulcers by electrotherapy. South Med J. 1969; 62(7):795–801.
     3. Gault WR, Gatens PE. Use of low intensity direct current in management of ischemic skin ulcers. Phys Ther. 1976;56:265–259.
     4. Gardner SE, Frantz RA, Schmidt FL. Effect of electrical stimulation on chronic wound healing: a meta-analysis. Wound Rep Regen. 1999;7(6):495–503.
     5. Houghton P, Kincaid C, Lovell M, Campbell K, Keast D, Woodbury M, et al. Effect of electrical stimulation on chronic leg ulcer size and appearance. Phys Ther. 2003;83(1):17–28.

Provant® Therapy System Regenesis Biomedical Inc.

  The Provant® Therapy System decreases the pain and swelling associated with surgery and debridement, helping tissue move through, and out of, inflammation. Provant does this by exposing the postoperative field to radiofrequency (PRFE) using an optimized energy pulse. Provant is a noninvasive, simple to use device.

  The Regenesis Life Sciences Program performs in vitro and in vivo research, using inhouse facilities and strategic collaborations with laboratories that are leaders in the field. Research objectives are to understand the biological and molecular mechanisms of PRFE fields and to define the physical parameters that lead to improved patient outcomes.

  The Symposium on Advanced Wound Care and the Wound Healing Society have recognized research at Regenesis with top poster presentation awards in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

  We are a values-based company, dedicated to patients, clinicians, and employees.

Sizewise Envy Line™ Sizewise™

  The Sizewise Envy Line™ is the only medical surface on the market today that qualifies under stringent certification that it is free of harmful chemicals of concern to healthcare workers and patients. Hospital Green Teams are embracing alternative products that support their overall sustainability goals, and the Sizewise Envy Line is the newest innovation in “green technology.” Sizewise is the only company to discover the critical balance of maintaining the legislatively required integrity of a fire barrier (which is often the core element that carries the most harmful chemicals) while still constructing a halogen-free fabrics and surfaces; halogens include key healthcare chemicals of concern such as antimony, bromine, chlorine, lead, mercury, phthalates, and more. The Envy Line of surfaces includes the G-Series, a nonpowered mattress; the O-Series, an operating room table pad; the S-Series, a stretcher pad; and more products coming soon, from wheelchair cushions to other key surfaces that come in continual contact with patients and caregivers. The new Sizewise Envy Line can be found at www.sizewise.net.

SNaP® Wound Care System Spiracur Inc.

  The SNaP® Wound Care System is a disposable, pocket-sized advanced wound dressing with the proven efficacy of negative pressure therapy. The SNaP® System is engineered to generate the same level of negative pressure as competitive NPWT technologies through the use of a proprietary spring mechanism that operates without electricity or batteries. The SNaP® System also includes a proprietary hydrocolloid dressing and antimicrobial gauze that provide periwound protection and easy removal. Unlike powered NPWT, the SNaP® System is silent, small, and lightweight. Results from a multi-center RCT comparing the SNaP® System to the leading powered NPWT system demonstrated noninferiority in wound healing outcomes for patients completing at least 4 weeks of therapy. Exit survey data showed the SNaP® System interferes less with overall activity, sleep, and social interactions than the powered system. Spiracur Inc., the developer of the SNaP® System, was founded out of the Stanford BioDesign program in 2007.

TCC-EZ™ MedEfficiency, Inc.

  Total contact casting is considered the gold standard for the treatment of diabetic foot wounds. Historically, a total contact cast (TCC) consisted of a time consuming process of applying multiple layers of plaster and fiberglass. The process was messy and the heavy cast required up to 72 hours to dry.

  MedEfficiency’s patented TCC-EZ Fast Contact Casting System is a faster-to-apply, less technique-sensitive casting system than its counterparts. It provides a patented innovative mesh that constructs a lightweight, one-layered cast, supported by an exclusively designed outer boot that provides additional support and stability for the diabetic foot ulcer patient. 

  TCC-EZ is the next generation in total contact casting— comparable offloading to standard TCC while decreasing application time,¹ the mesh cast allows for a customized form fit on every application. In a 100-patient trial, the cast sock application time was 75 seconds on average.²
     1. Hoffman K, Jensen JL, Jaakola ED. Total contact casting and neuropathic foot wounds. Today’s Wound Clinic. 2010;Aug:18–21.
     2. Jensen JL, Jaakola ED, Gillian B, Riley E. TCC-EC Total Contact Casting: Overcoming the Barriers to Using a Proven Gold Standard. Poster presentation at the Diabetic Foot Global Conference 2008.