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Case Study/Series
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The innovative use of soft silicone in conjunction with negative pressure wound therapy: three case studies First Author: Melodie Blakely Authors: Melodie Blakely, PT, MS, CWS; Dot Weir, RN, CWON, CWS Wound care is a complex and ever changing field. Variables such as wound etiology, comorbid conditions, anatomical positioning of wounds and patient socioeconomic factors make each situation unique. These varied conditions drive the need for new dressings, treatments and technological and scientific advances. Effective care within this environment requires creativity within an evidence-based paradigm. One recent development in dressing technology is the use of soft silicone. An advantage to this type of dressing is that it is able to adhere to skin but causes no skin stripping with removal. It also serves as a non-stick contact layer when in contact with the wound bed. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is another relatively recent innovation in wound treatment. NPWT as described in the following incorporates negative pressure with the use of open cell foam as wound filler. This therapy has been shown to dramatically enhance formulation of granulation tissue in a variety of wounds. This poster will describe three cases using soft silicone dressings with NPWT in creative ways addressing the unique needs of difficult to treat wounds. |
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