SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Allevyn Cavity is a highly conformable, absorbent dressing consisting of a soft, polymeric outer membrane with a three dimensional honeycomb-like structure. .

The outer membrane, which provides an effective low-adherent wound contact layer, is perforated to allow exudate to pass into the interior of the dressing where it is absorbed and retained by a mass of hydrophilic polyurethane foam chips. The dressings are available in a range of shapes and sizes for the management of different sized wounds.

Indications

Allevyn Cavity is indicated for the extended management of full thickness cavity wounds healing by secondary intention, including pressure sores, pilonidal sinuses, and surgical excisions/incisions to physically prevent premature wound closure and/or absorb excessive exudate.

Contra-indications

No absolute clinical contra-indications to the use of Allevyn Cavity have been reported, but the dressing is not appropriate for the management of very dry or relatively superficial wounds.

Method of use

One or more appropriately sized dressings are gently inserted into the wound and held in place with a suitable secondary dressing.

Frequency of Change

The interval between dressing changes will depend mainly upon the condition of the wound and the amount of exudate produced. Heavily exuding or sloughy wounds may require that the dressing is changed daily, but in clean, lightly exuding wounds, the dressing may be left undisturbed for 2-3 days or sometimes even longer. In general, dressings should be removed and discarded from 3-7 days after application depending upon the nature of the wound. If the wound is infected however, more frequent changes are advisable.

Warnings

Allevyn Cavity dressings must not be cut open or be used with solutions of hypochlorites or peroxides as these will chemically degrade their structure.

Presentation

The dressings are presented sealed in plastic trays, sterilised by irradiation.

Sizes

Circular:

5 cm diameter*

10 cm diameter*

Tubular:

9 cm x 2.5 cm*

12 cm x 4.0 cm*

*Available on Drug Tariff

Bibliography

1. Fear M, et al., John's story, Community Outlook, 1992, 2, (3), 17-20.

2. Butterworth R, et al., Comparing Allevyn cavity wound dressings and Silastic foam, J. Wound Care, 1992, 1, (1), 10-12.

3. Thomas S, Foam Dressings: A guide to the properties and uses of the main foam dressings available in the UK., J. Wound Care, 1993, 2, (3), 153-156.

Revision Details

This datacard has been prepared from data provided by the manufacturer and/or from published literature.

URL: http://www.worldwidewounds.com/WMPRC/DataCards/HTML/allevyn-cavity.html
Last Modified: Friday, 19-Dec-2003 11:13:41 GMT