SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Allevyn Sacrum is an anatomically shaped absorbent dressing.

It consists of a layer of soft, hydrophilic polyurethane foam, sandwiched between a pink semi-permeable polyurethane film and a perforated polymeric wound contact layer. This inner layer is coated with a hypo-allergenic acrylic adhesive which breaks down in the presence of moisture, ensuring that the dressing does not stick to the wound surface but only adheres to the surrounding skin.

Although the polyurethane outer film is permeable to moisture vapour, it provides an effective barrier to water or wound exudate and also prevents the passage of microorganisms through the back of the dressing.

When applied to an exuding wound, the foam layer absorbs excess fluid, but as exudate production decreases, the film backing regulates the evaporative loss of moisture and stops the dressing from drying out completely. In this way the dressing maintains the wound in a moist condition and thus provides a micro-environment that is conducive to healing.

Indications

Allevyn Sacrum is specifically designed for exuding wounds on the sacral area such as pressure ulcers.

Contra-indications

No absolute contra-indications to the use of Allevyn Sacrum have been reported, but the dressing will be of limited value if applied to dry wounds such as those covered with a scab or hard black necrotic tissue. Before application of the dressing this should be removed, either surgically, or by some other means.

Method of use

After cleansing the wound in accordance with normal practice, a suitably sized dressing is selected that produces a margin of at least 2cm all around the wound. The dressing is positioned with the narrow end of the dressing a minimum of 2cm above the anal sphincter and gently smoothed into position. Secondary dressings are not generally required.

Frequency of Change

The frequency with which Allevyn Sacrum should be changed depends upon the nature of the wound and the amount of exudate produced. On a clean non-infected wound, it may be left in position for up to seven days, but more frequent changes will be required on infected or heavily exuding wounds.

Warnings

None.

Presentation

Allevyn Sacrum is presented in a paper peel pouch, sterilised by irradiation.

Sizes

The dressing is produced in two sizes:

17cm x 17cm

22cm x 22cm

Bibliography

Availability

Further information on obtaining Smith & Nephew products is available on the Smith & Nephew web site.

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-sacrum.html
Last Modified: Tuesday, 31-Jan-2006 12:06:40 GMT