ConvaTec Introduces AQUACEL® Foam Dressing, The Only Dressing With The Comfort And Simplicity Of Foam, Plus Healing Benefits Of An AQUACEL® Interface

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, today announced the introduction of AQUACEL® foam dressing, the first dressing to combine a soft absorbent foam pad with the healing benefits of the company's proprietary AQUACEL® interface for use in the management of wounds. ConvaTec announced the U.S. launch of AQUACEL® foam dressing today at the 44th annual Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN) in Charlotte, North Carolina.

AQUACEL® foam dressing is specially designed to meet wound management challenges. It has a waterproof barrier that allows for the evaporation of excess moisture and protection against viral and bacterial penetration.[1],[a] The soft absorbent foam pad enhances patient comfort and absorbs excess fluid.

"Wounds are painful to begin with. Adding pain with the removal of a dressing adds to patient discomfort," said Donna Scemons, PhD, MA, FNP-C, CWOCN, Healthcare Systems, Inc., Los Angeles, CA. "AQUACEL® foam dressing represents a major advance in our efforts to manage wounds more effectively while reducing patient pain during wear and removal.[2],[3],[4],[5]"

The AQUACEL® dressing interface is engineered to gel on contact with wound exudate[6],[a]. This allows the dressing to micro-contour to the wound bed, minimizing dead space where bacteria can grow[7],[a]. The interface also maintains a moist wound environment that supports the body's healing process,[8],[a] and prevents lateral spread of fluid to reduce the risk of maceration.[9],[a]

"With the ability to lock in wound exudate, the AQUACEL® dressing interface creates an ideal environment for wound management," said Stephanie Yates, RN, MSN, CWOCN, Duke Wound Management Clinic, Duke University Hospital. "The dressing comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making it easier for clinicians to select an appropriate and conforming dressing for any wound quickly and conveniently."

AQUACEL® foam dressing has a gentle silicone adhesive designed to adhere only to the surrounding skin, not to the wound bed. The silicone allows for easy application and non-traumatic dressing removal.[10]

"With AQUACEL® foam dressing, we worked to custom design an easy to use and comfortable foam dressing that incorporates the AQUACEL® dressing interface, which has been proven to support wound healing," states Kevin Leach, Vice President, U.S. Wound Therapeutics and Critical Care at ConvaTec. "AQUACEL® foam dressing is engineered to deliver patients and clinicians a new standard of care that addresses the most significant challenges in effective wound management."

AQUACEL® foam dressing is available in the U.S. in adhesive and non-adhesive dressing options in a range of sizes. The dressings can be cut to any shape or size[b] while maintaining all of the benefits of the AQUACEL® dressing interface.

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.

a. As demonstrated in an in vitro model.
b. If the adhesive dressing is cut, additional tape may be required to secure it in place. Additional tape, or other means of fixation will be required to secure the AQUACEL® foam non-adhesive dressing in place.

Hydrofiber and AQUACEL are registered trademarks of ConvaTec Inc.    

© 2012 ConvaTec Inc.                                                                                        AP-012703-US

[1] AQUACEL™ foam dressing-waterproofness, bacterial and viral barrier testing. WHR13538 MS069. Data on File. ConvaTec Inc.
[2] Armstrong SH, Brown DA, Hill E, Ruckley CV. A randomized trial of a new Hydrofiber dressing, AQUACEL, and an alginate in the treatment of exuding leg ulcers. Presented at: 5th European Conference on Advances in Wound Management; Harrogate, UK: November 1995.
[3] Barnea Y, Amir A, Leshem D, et al. Clinical comparative study of Aquacel and paraffin gauze dressing for split-thickness donor site treatment. Ann Plast Surg. 2004 Aug:53(2):132-136.
[4] Caruso Dm, Foster KN, Blome-Eberwein SA, et al. Randomized clinical study of Hydrofiber dressing with silver or silver sulfadiazine in the management of partial-thickness burns. J Burn Care Res. 2006 May-Jun;27(3):298-309.
[5] Kogan L, Moldavsky M, Szvalb S, Govrin-Yehudain J. Comparative study of Aquacel and Silverol treatment in burns. Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2004;17(4):201-207.
[6] Walker M, Hobot JA, Newman GR, Bowler PG. Scanning electron microscopic examination of bacterial immobilisation in a carboxymethylcellulose (Aquacel) and alginate dressing. Biomaterials. 2003;24(5):883-890.
[7] Jones SA, 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.
[8] Walker M, Hobot JA, Newman GR, Bowler PG. Scanning electron microscopic examination of bacterial immobilisation in a carboxymethylcellulose (Aquacel) and alginate dressing. Biomaterials. 2003;24(5):883-890.
[9] Waring MJ, Parsons D. Physico-chemical characterisation of carboxymethylated spun cellulose fibres. Biomaterials.2001;22:903-912.
[10] Healthy Volunteer Study Report, Protocol CW-0207-11-A736. Data on File, ConvaTec Inc.

SOURCE ConvaTec