ConvaTec Introduces AQUACEL® Ag Burn Dressing With Hydrofiber® Technology for the Management of Partial Thickness Burns

SKILLMAN, N.J., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, today announced the introduction of AQUACEL® Ag BURN dressing, a new wound dressing for the management of partial thickness burns (PTBs) and donor sites. AQUACEL® Ag BURN dressing incorporates the company's proprietary Hydrofiber® Technology, which has been shown in an in-vitro study to lock in fluid and trap bacteria[1] and to contour closely to uneven wound surfaces.[2] 

AQUACEL® Ag BURN dressing, for PTBs, can be left in place for up to 21 days, helping to reduce the need for painful dressing changes and the risk of exposure to pathogens in the atmosphere.[3],[4]  In current common practice, patients with PTBs must often undergo painful dressing changes as frequently as twice daily, causing often severe discomfort and exposing the wound surface to potential infection from a range of pathogens.

"AQUACEL® Ag BURN dressing represents a significant advance in the management of partial thickness burns," said Kevin N. Foster, M.D. "A dressing that can remain in place for up to 21 days can help to reduce the need for multiple dressing changes, potentially reducing the risk of infection and trauma to the wound and the patient."

In addition to flat dressings, the line of AQUACEL® Ag BURN dressings feature a glove for use specifically in PTBs to hands, where a large number of burn injuries occur. The gloves come in a range of sizes from child to adult. Flat and glove dressings are reinforced with Nylon stitching to offer patients maximum flexibility and range of motion. Enhanced flexibility and mobility for burn patients is especially important to ensure that the wound heals properly and prevents contracture.

AQUACEL® Ag dressing incorporates the antimicrobial action of silver, proven to kill a broad spectrum of pathogens[5]*, including MRSA, VRE, S. aureus, P.aeruginosa, C. krusei, and B. fragilis. AQUACEL® Ag BURN dressing** has been shown to provide activity against antimicrobial resistant bacteria and potentially reduce the risk of infection.[6]* AQUACEL® BURN dressing is also available, a non-silver version of the wound dressing.

The dressings will self-detach as the burn heals and inflict less trauma to the wound bed and patient.  Both dressings absorb and hold exudate and harmful bacteria that can prevent healing or increase the risk of infection.[7],[8] *

AQUACEL® Ag BURN dressing is introduced today during Burn Awareness Week – a united effort to educate communities across the U.S. about burn awareness and prevention.

AQUACEL® Ag BURN dressing has been tested in both flat and glove forms during clinical studies in both the U.S. and in Europe.  In each case, results showed positive advantages related to patient pain at rest, during movement and ease of use.[9],[10] 

Advanced Wound Dressings with Hydrofiber® Technology from ConvaTec

ConvaTec dressings with Hydrofiber® Technology gel on contact with fluid, providing clinicians and patients with substantial wound care benefits. This unique gelling action enables the dressings to lock in exudate and its harmful components[3],[11],[12] * and contour closely to the wound bed,[4]* in response to changing wound conditions. AQUACEL® Ag dressings are soft, absorbent non-woven wound dressings based on Hydrofiber® Technology.

About ConvaTec
ConvaTec is a leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies that have helped improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. With four key focus areas – Ostomy Care, Wound Therapeutics, Continence and Critical Care, and Infusion Devices – ConvaTec products support healthcare professionals from the hospital to the community health setting. For more information, please visit www.convatec.com.

** AQUACEL® Ag BURN dressing is the same Hydrofiber® Technology as AQUACEL® Ag dressing.

* As demonstrated in vitro

Hydrofiber and AQUACEL are registered trademarks of ConvaTec Inc.                 AP-012200-US

©2012 ConvaTec

[1] Walker M, Hobot JA, Newman GR, Bowler PG. Scanning electron microscopic examination of bacterial immobilization in a carboxymethyl cellulose (AQUACEL™ ™ ) and alginate dressing. Biomaterials. 2003;24(5):883-890.

[2] Jones S, Bowler PG, Walker M. Antimicrobial activity of silver-containing dressings is influenced by dressing conformability with a wound surface.  WOUNDS. 2005;17 (9): 263-270.

[3] Caruso D.M, Foster K.N, Blome-Eberwein S.A, et al. Randomised clinical study of Hydrofiber dressing with silver or silver sulphadiazine in the management of partial-thickness burns. Journal of Burn Care and research. 2006 May/June; 27(3): 298-309

[4] Walker M, Hobot JA, Newman GR, Bowler PG. Scanning electron microscopic examination of bacterial immobilization in a carboxymethyl cellulose (AQUACEL™) and alginate dressing. Biomaterials. 2003;24(5):883-890.

[5] Jones SA, Bowler PG, Walker M, Parsons D. Controlling wound bioburden with a novel silver-containing Hydrofiber dressing. Wound Repair Regen. 2004;12(3):288-294.

[6] Ibid

[7] Newman GR, Walker M, Hobot JA, Bowler PG. Visualisation of bacterial sequestration and bacterial activity within hydrating Hydrofiber® wound dressings. Biomaterials. 2006;27;1129-1139.

[8] Bowler PG, Jones SA, Davies BJ, Coyle E. Infection control properties in some wound dressings. J Wound Care 1999;8(10):499-502.

[9] Caruso DM,1 Richey K,1 Johnson RM,2 Blome-Eberwein SA,3 Milner S,4 Luterman A,5 Tredget EE,6 Kommala D7. (2009). Phase II, Non-Comparative Trial of Carboxymethylcellulose Silver Dressing Reinforced With Nylon to Treat Partial Thickness Burns.

[10] Franck Duteille, MD1; Dheerendra Kommala, MD2. (2010, March). Phase II Assessment of a New Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) Silver Glove in the Management of Partial-Thickness/Second-Degree Hand Burn. Poster session presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Burn Association.

[11] Waring MJ, Parsons D. Physico-chemical characterization of carboxymethylated spun cellulose fibres. Biomaterials. 2001;22:903-912.

[12] Walker M, Bowler PG, Cochrane CA. In vitro studies to show sequestration of matrix metalloproteinases by silver-containing wound care products. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2007;53(9):18-25.

SOURCE ConvaTec