Wake Forest Pilots a Study Investigating the Use of Milliken Dressings with Active Fluid Management Technology Under Compression for the
Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers
Venous leg
ulcers (VLU) are highly exuding wounds that require compression therapy to
address increased venous hypertension. Dressing choice for this type of wound
is extremely important as it must be kept on the wound surface for days under a
compression wrap. The dressing must be able to absorb the exudate and maintain
moisture balance at the wound dressing interface.
The purpose
of the study, “Pilot Study Investigating the Use of Exudate Management Dressing
Under Compression for the treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers” by Vlad et al., was
to describe outcomes of VLU treatment with TRITEC Silver with Active Fluid Management®
(AFM®) technology in combination with compression.
This 10-patient
pilot study evaluated TRITEC Silver with AFM® technology under compression for
management of venous leg ulcers. Every week the circumference of the calf and
wound measurement was recorded. The primary objective was to measure the rate
of wound closure using digital planimetry. Secondary objectives were also
examined including pain, odor, periwound skin condition, edema and exudate
amount. All dressings were applied and covered with ABD pads and compression, and
digital photographs were obtained at each visit pre and post debridement. All
patients had seven days between visits and were followed for a minimum of four
weeks and maximum of 12 weeks depending on wound progression.
After four weeks, a 68% reduction
in wound surface area was noticed. One patient was completely healed prior to four
weeks and four other patients were experiencing less pain. The clinicians also favored
the TRITEC Silver’s ease of use during the application and removal process.
This study concluded
that TRITEC Silver with AFM® technology was a useful strategy in conjunction
with multi-layer compression therapy for wound healing. The application,
management, and removal of the dressing had positive clinical outcomes and good
tolerability from both clinician and patient. The study indicated that TRITEC
Silver with AFM® technology manages exudate and maintains moisture balance at
the wound dressing interface.
Click here to read the full case study.
