| 330 | Clinical Research Res. |
Deep Lower Extremity Wounds in Middle-Aged Patients Treated With Polymeric Membrane Dressings* Authors: June Stamps, RN, CWS PROBLEM Deep wounds present unique problems regarding dressings and treatment. Exposed tendons and deep tissue must be kept moist enough to remain viable, but excess wound fluid must be wicked away from the wound bed. The wounds must remain clean, but too much disturbance can damage the newly forming structures in the wound bed, slowing healing. Deep wounds are often very painful, as well. RATIONALE Polymeric membrane dressings provide significant wound pain relief, draw and concentrate healing substances from body into wound bed to promote rapid healing while facilitating autolytic debridement directly by loosening bonds between slough and wound, and add moisture to dry wounds while absorbing excess wound fluid. Silver polymeric membrane dressings are bactericidal. METHODOLOGY Three patients were treated with various types of polymeric membrane dressings (wound filler, extra- thick, silver) placed directly against wound bed, including exposed tendons in two cases. Changed 1Ð3times/week, sometimes by patient. RESULTS All three patients experienced diminished wound pain and brisk healing, with granulation tissue increasing and fibrin/slough diminishing. Exposed tendons are now covered. Two wounds are closed, third is small. CONCLUSION Wound pain diminished, sites became clean, wound beds filled in, tendons remained viable. Further conclusions at close of study. |
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