Positive Results From Negative Pressure Therapy

      For wound healing, DPMs might find success with the power of negative pressure therapy.

      The Vario 18ci negative pressure wound therapy system is an AC/DC C/I aspriator and wound dressing kit that can promote healing and the development of granulation tissue, according to the manufacturer Medela Medical Technology. The company says the product can treat stage III and IV pressure ulcers, neuropathic and venous insufficiency ulcers, dehisced wounds, partial-thickness burns, skin grafts and flaps.

      Vario applies subatmospheric pressure to the wound, removes
infectious materials and draws together the outer edges of the wound, notes Medela. The company says its product, which can be used in the hospital or home care settings, has received approval for reimbursement under HCPCS codes E2402, A7000 and A6550.

      Company: Medela Medical Technology
      Product: Vario 18ci
      For more info, circle 399 on your reader service card

Soothe Post-Op Pain

      Following foot and ankle surgery, patients can sometimes be readmitted to the hospital for post-op pain.

      The MedFlo^® Post-Op Pain Kit may be able to prevent such pain. The kit is a pain pump that delivers a continuous stream of a local anesthetic to the surgical site, according to the manufacturer MPS Acacia.

      The company notes the pain kit is lightweight, disposable and does not require special training. MedFlo avoids oral medication side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and drowsiness, and permits patients to recover at home, according to the company.

      Company: MPS Acacia
      Product: MedFlo^® Post-Op Pain Kit
      For more info, circle 400 on your reader service card

A Smart Fabric

      A new topcover provides an odor-free environment for orthoses, heel cups and inserts.

      Fabric Smart^™ antimicrobial topcovers eliminate odor problems inherent to the conventional textiles used in other inserts, according to the manufacturer Gel Smart. The company says the topcover permits feet to fit comfortably
with orthoses and also wicks moisture away from the feet.

      Gel Smart says the Fabric Smart topcovers are available with the company’s silicone heel cups, heel wedges and insoles as well as other products. The topcover uses a molecularly bound antimicrobial treatment that physically penetrates microorganisms and electrically neutralizes them, notes the company.

      Company: Gel Smart
      Product: Fabric Smart^™
      For more info, circle 401 on your reader service card

Walking Tall

      Two new walkers can assist patients of all shapes and sizes.

      The Chevron^® Lite Walkers and Chevron^® Lite Ankle Walkers feature a better fit for patients as well as additional comfort with their light, low-profile designs, according to the manufacturer Sroufe Healthcare Products.

      Both walkers provide support for soft tissue and stress fractures, and feature a non-skid rocker sole and breathable leg wrap, notes the company.

      Sizes range from extra small to extra large. Each walker ranges from sizes 5 to 14+ for men, and sizes 4 to 13 for women, according to Sroufe.

      Company: Sroufe Healthcare Products
      Products: Chevron^® Lite Walkers and       Chevron^® Lite Ankle Walkers

      For more info, circle 402 on your reader service card

A Laser Focus On Wound Healing

      When treating a patient with diabetic neuropathic foot and leg ulcers, one may turn to a new diode laser as an alternative treatment.

      One may use the Wound Care Laser 980-nm gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAIA) for the debridement of wounds, according to the manufacturer Biolitec.

      The company says research indicates that using the laser as an adjunct treatment may speed wound healing.

      As Biolitec notes, low-level lasers can have non-destructive effects on tissues at the cellular level, particularly during reduced microcirculation. The laser effect stimulates the patient’s own cells and tissues to participate in wound healing, according to the company.

      Company: Biolitec
      Product: The Wound Care Laser
      For more info, circle 403 on your reader service card

Surgical Skin Prep In One Step

      With the prominent risk of skin infections, one product offers a quick defense against such infections during surgery.

      ChloraPrep^®, a one-step, pre-op skin prep for patients, delivers a tinted solution in exact volumes and keeps the surgeon’s hands away from the operative site, according to the manufacturer Medi-Flex. The company says the product prevents the regrowth of microorganisms for 48 hours after use and is also active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Medi-Flex adds that the product also has a gentle friction scrub that allows deeper penetration into dermal layers.

      ChloraPrep is 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol, and the company says one application exceeds the FDA requirement for pre-op
skin preparation. In addition, ChloraPrep has an orange tint so the product is easy to see on the patient.

      Company: Medi-Flex
      Product: ChloraPrep^®
      For more info, circle 404 on your reader service card

Counting On Copper’s Antimicrobial Powers

      Podiatrists may find success in utilizing the antimicrobial powers of copper, housed in a new sock.

      The Copper Sole Sock offers 99.9 percent prevention of bacteria and fungi to control odor and infection, according to manufacturer Aetrex Worldwide. The company says the socks also wick moisture away from the foot so feet stay dry and cool.

      The sock is available in styles including athletic, non-binding, dress/casual and compression.

      Company: Aetrex Worldwide
      Product: Copper Sole Sock
      For more info, circle 405 on your reader service card