New Products and Industry News

New foam composite dressing has optimal moisture balance

   ConvaTec Corporation (Skillman, NJ) announced the availability of Versiva™ dressing in the United States. The low-profile dressing, designed to be gentle, comfortable for patients, and easy to use for professionals, can be used on chronic and acute wounds that are open and exuding (eg, pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and postoperative wounds).

   The product consists of a perforated skin-friendly adhesive layer, a Hydrofiber™ technology layer, a spread layer, and a polyurethane-coated, foam-film layer. Because the dressing absorbs and retains the exudate as well as the bacteria within the exudate while creating an optimal moisture balance at the wound surface, the dressing is better suited for exuding chronic and acute wounds than currently used combinations of absorbent products such as gauze, alginates, and foams. The polyurethane-coated, foam-film layer also acts as a viral and bacterial barrier.

   For information, visit www.convatec.com.

Ready-to-use intermittent catheter available

   Coloplast Corp. (Atlanta, Ga.) has introduced SpeediCath™, the first ready-to-use hydrophilic intermittent catheter on the market. The hydrophilic-coated catheter comes immersed in sterile saline solution, eliminating the need to carry or apply lubricant or locate clean water for hydration; thus, minimizing preparation.

   The polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coating used in the catheter provides optimal urethra protection during catheterization by significantly reducing friction and helping prevent the risk of infection. Other features include user-friendly packaging that is not only compact and discreet, but also easy-to-handle - suitable for individuals with limited dexterity. Plus, the product is optimally rigid but flexible enough for easy insertion.

   For information on this and other company products, call (888) 726-7872 or email usmedweb@coloplast.com.

Burn product launched

   Healthpoint® (Fort Worth, TX, USA) announced the availability of the OASIS® Burn Matrix, a product that provides a supportive environment to allow healing of second-degree and superficial burns. The product complements the OASIS Wound Matrix line of products marketed and distributed exclusively by Healthpoint and manufactured by Cook Biotech.

   The product features SIS® Technology, a naturally derived, extracellular matrix created from the submucosal layer of porcine small intestine. The submucosa (found between the mucosal and muscular layers) provides strength to the intestine through a complex organization of structural and functional proteins and other molecules that form a three-dimensional matrix. The submucosa is extracted so cells are removed but the complex matrix is left intact. This natural matrix supports the body's healing process by providing an acellular scaffold that accommodates remodeling of host tissue. This biomaterial combines strength, flexible handling, and a complex composition.

   The product was designed with several features specifically for burn patients, including increased thickness of the burn matrix that may allow application for an extended time. As frequency of application decreases, less pain may result because repeated dressing changes are often increasingly painful for burn patients.

   In addition to the new burn matrix, other company products are used in the management of partial- and full-thickness skin loss injuries from surgical and trauma wounds; autograft donor sites; pressure, venous, and chronic vascular ulcers; diabetic ulcers; and abrasions.

   For more information, visit www.healthpoint.com.

Wound drainage kit uses negative pressure

   BlueSky Medical (La Costa, Calif.) released the Chariker-Jeter® Wound Drainage Kit, a product that utilizes localized negative pressure. The kit offers a convenient and economical approach, and includes a 100% silicon wound drain, impregnated gauze, connecting tubing, Opsite® Cover Dressing, connector, towel, gloves, and tubing clamp. Named after two pioneers in this field, the kit provides a practical and cost-effective alternative for treating difficult wounds.

   For additional information, visit www.blueskymedical.com. 

Hyperbaric chamber continues to advance

   Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETC, Southampton, Pa.) introduced the Smooth Ride™ compression protocol, which will enhance the company's BARA-MED® monoplace hyperbaric chamber. The most common problem for patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy is equalizing the pressure in their middle ear during the compression phase of a treatment (barotrauma) -a painful experience which, if not dealt with properly, will cause physical injury. The technology should reduce the incidence of barotrauma by 67%, allowing for improved patient comfort and safety, in addition to offering the potential to increase operational efficiency while reducing overall operating costs.

   For more information call (215) 355-9100. 

Dressing gains additional approvals

   Nucryst Pharmaceuticals (Wakefield, Mass.) announced it has received a further payment of US$3 million from Smith + Nephew's Advanced Wound Management Division following achievement of a regulatory milestone in Europe. This payment is part of a milestone-driven partnership agreement the two companies signed in May 2001. The two companies collaborated to provide additional scientific evidence that reinforces the superior antimicrobial performance of Acticoat™ and Acticoat™ 7 dressings. The dressings have become widely accepted in 22 countries and are recognized for their effectiveness in treating burn, chronic, and other serious wounds.

   For more information, visit www.nucryst.com. 

Continence society names "champion"

   The National Association For Continence (NAFC) Board of Directors recently named Betsy Nielsen-Omeis, BSN, RN as NAFC's 2003 Continence Care Champion from among members of the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA).

   The group was gathered in San Antonio for its annual meeting and educational conference.

   The honor is based on a SUNA member's contributions in research, education, and advances in clinical practice specifically in the field of incontinence. It is accompanied by an unrestricted grant in the amount of $1,500 and is underwritten by a grant to NAFC by Eli Lilly + Company. This is the second consecutive year the NAFC bestowed such an honor on a member of SUNA, having named Diane K. Newman, RNC, MSN, CRNP of the Penn Center for Continence and Pelvic Health in Philadelphia (and OWM Editorial Advisory Board member) as the inaugural recipient.

   OWM congratulates Betsy on her past and current achievements and wishes her continued success in promoting good urinary health principles to her local community.

New production facility opened

   Medline Industries (Mundelein, Ill.) recently opened a new manufacturing facility to produce pre-moistened bathing and cleaning products, including its fast-growing ReadyBath ready-to-use disposable bathing system.

   Located in Waukegan, Illinois, the new 145,000 square foot structure includes state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities. This is Medline's sixth manufacturing facility, all located in North America.

   The bathing system is economical, ready-to-use, pH balanced, hypoallergenic, and formulated to help protect and heal damaged skin. It is designed to save valuable nursing time while reducing facility costs associated with linens, soaps, basins and other costly items.

   The company also is currently undergoing major expansions at its distribution centers in Durham, NC, and San Antonio, Tex. Medline now has 27 distribution centers throughout the U.S.

   More information about Medline can be found at www.medline.com.