SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Cellacast Xtra consists of a closely woven fibreglass substrate, impregnated with a no-tack, silicone-free polyurethane resin. The fabric is slightly extensible in all directions, which makes the bandage very conformable in use. When exposed to moisture vapour or immersed in water, the resin undergoes a polymerisation reaction, which causes the bandage to harden and become rigid. A cast made from Cellacast Xtra has a moulding time of 20-30 seconds and will set in approximately 3-4 minutes after which it may be bivalved or windowed. The resultant cast, which is lightweight, strong, porous, and translucent to X-rays, will be fully weight-bearing after 20-30 minutes.

Indications

Cellacast Xtra may be used in most situations where rigid immobilisation is required and can be used to form specialised prosthetic appliances as well as standard orthopaedic casts.

Contra-indications

In common with all polyurethane casting materials, Cellacast Xtra should be applied with caution on fresh fractures where swelling of the injured limb may be anticipated which could make rapid removal of the cast necessary.

Method of use

Cellacast Xtra should be applied over a layer of stockinette and orthopaedic padding. Although any suitable product may be used, some workers prefer to use non-absorbent materials based upon synthetic fibres such as polyester, rather than the viscose or cotton-based materials often used in conjunction with plaster of Paris (which will retain moisture, should the final cast become wet). Before the foil pouch containing the bandage is opened, disposable gloves should be applied. The bandage should be immersed in water at 20-24 °C, and firmly squeezed 3-4 times under the surface to ensure complete penetration of water into the centre of the roll.

Following removal from the dip water, the roll should not be squeezed further, although any excess water may be removed by vigorous shaking. The bandage should be applied in the form of a spiral, each turn overlapping the previous one by about one-third to one-half of its width. Three layers are usually sufficient in most non-weight-bearing situations, but four or five layers may be required for a weight-bearing cast. If splints are required, these may be produced from three or four layers of Cellacast Xtra. The cast may be moulded to its final shape during the last minute of its setting cycle, after which time it may be windowed or trimmed with shears or a standard cast saw. A cast made from Cellacast Xtra may be repaired or reinforced by the application of additional tape. Although this will adhere successfully to the existing cast, a complete layer should be applied, if possible, to achieve the maximum adhesive bond.

Warnings

Prior to setting, the polyurethane resin will adhere firmly to unprotected skin and clothing. Operators should always wear gloves when handling Cellacast Xtra, and care should be taken to ensure that the uncured tape does not come into contact with the patient's skin. Any uncured resin may be removed from the skin by gently swabbing with acetone or ethanol. The temperature of the water used for dipping must not exceed 27 °C. Once set, Cellacast Xtra is not adversely affected by moisture, but immersion of the cast in water is not recommended, as it may prove very difficult to dry the underlying padding. This in turn may lead to maceration and irritation of the skin. If the cast is removed with a reciprocating cast saw, the use of dust extraction apparatus is advisable.

Presentation

Cellacast Xtra is presented as a roll, wrapped around a hollow plastic core, and heat-sealed in a plastic-coated pouch.

Storage

Cellacast Xtra has a shelf life of two years from the date of manufacture when unopened rolls of casting tape are stored in a cool dry atmosphere below 24 °C.

Sizes

1.8 cm × 1.8 m 7.5 cm × 3.6 m*

5.0 cm × 3.6 m* 10.0 cm × 3.6 m*

12.5 cm × 3.6 m*

* Also available in pink, blue and green

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/cellacas.xtr.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:20:37 GMT