SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Allevyn Cavity Wound Dressing 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 Wound Dressing is indicated for the extended management of full thickness cavity wounds healing by secondary intention, including pressure sores and dehisced surgical wounds, or for the temporary treatment of wounds prior to delayed primary closure.

Contra-indications

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

Method of use

An appropriately sized dressing is gently inserted into the wound and held in place with tape, a semipermeable film dressing, a piece of dressing retention sheet (such as Hypafix or Mefix), or a bandage as appropriate. If necessary, depending upon the condition and location of the wound, an absorbent secondary dressings may be applied but this is not always required.

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. If the wound is infected however, frequent changes are advisable.

Warnings

Allevyn Cavity Wound Dressings must not be cut open.

Presentation

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

Sizes

5 cm circle

10 cm circle

9 cm × 2.5 cm tubular

12 cm × 4.0 cm tubular

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: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:20:09 GMT