New Laboratory Data Analyzes Physical Performance Characteristics of Unique Bio-Dome™ and GranuFoam™ Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Dressings

ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, today announced new in vitro study results. The Engenex® Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) system's Bio-Dome™ wound interface showed superior tensile strength and lower simulated bioadhesion when compared with GranuFoam™ (polyurethane foam).(1) This study was conducted by employees of ConvaTec's Global Development Center and was presented at The Annual Fall Symposium on Advanced Wound Care in Anaheim, California.

In addition to the superior tensile strength and lower simulated bioadhesion, the laboratory tests also showed that the Bio-Dome™ wound interface provided broader contours of microstrain when compared to GranuFoam™. The Bio-Dome™ wound interface also effectively transmitted sufficient levels of fluid to the canister from simulated highly exuding wounds.(1)

To better understand the physical performance attributes of wound interfaces, a range of in vitro physical testing and analytic studies using different levels of applied negative pressure were performed.

The analytic studies included finite element analysis (FEA) to predict strain forces applied to the wound bed; fluid handling testing to simulate exudate management capabilities; tensile strength of interface dressings to show their robustness during handling; and simulated bioadhesion testing.

About Engenex® Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System and the Bio-Dome™ Technology

The Engenex® Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System is an innovative technology and engineering solution that utilizes the application of negative pressure to a wound to promote healing and to remove excess fluid, including wound exudate.

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. From its operational headquarters in Skillman, New Jersey, the company conducts business in over 90 countries, serving consumers and their health care professionals on six continents.  For more information, please visit www.convatec.com.

Engenex is a registered trademark and Bio-Dome is a trademark of Boehringer Technologies L.P.

All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

(1) Bishop S, Shaw H, Pritchard D, Jones L, Tabron I. An Analysis of the Physical Performance Characteristics of Bio-Dome™ Dressings and GranuFoam™ Poster presented at: The Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Fall Meeting; September 23-25, 2010; Anaheim, California.

SOURCE ConvaTec