SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Crevic consists of a pink-coloured cotton fabric of plain weave with a characteristic appearance. The fabric is extensible along its length, with a degree of elasticity that is imparted by the presence of cr êpe-twisted cotton yarns. The bandage may be washed if required and when allowed to dry naturally, loosely folded, it will regain some of its original elasticity.

Indications

Crevic is used for the application of light pressure and support in the treatment of sprains and strains, and varicose veins and as a support to aid rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery. It was also used historically in conjunction with a suitable primary dressing, such as a zinc paste bandage, for the treatment of varicose ulcers although other more elastic products are now available that are more suitable for this application.

As with other bandages manufactured from cotton and other non-elastomeric yarns, the pressure that can be achieved and maintained by Crevic are limited and such it is unlikely to be suitable for the sustained application of pressures in excess of 8-10 mmHg at the calf of an average-sized leg. Because cotton bandages do not have the ability to `follow in' (thereby maintaining compression on limbs that decrease in circumference as a result of the application of surface pressure), they are of little value in reducing existing gross oedema. For this application and other situations where high levels of pressure are required, alternative products containing elastomeric threads of rubber, nylon or polyurethane are available.

Contra-indications

All elastic bandages should be used with caution on patients who have marked ischaemia or impaired arterial blood supply.

Method of use

When applied to a leg, the bandage should be held with the bulk roll facing upwards. Working from the inner aspect, a single turn is made over the top of the foot around the base of the toes to secure the bandage, and a second turn taken up to the base of the heel. After making a figure-of-eight around the ankle, the bandage is applied up the leg, with each turn overlapping the previous one by 50%. Once in place, it may be fastened with safety pins or tape, as appropriate. Care should be taken to ensure that the bandage does not cause a tourniquet effect at the knee, and the operator should ensure that a pressure gradient exists beneath the bandage, with the highest levels of pressure at the ankle.

Frequency of Change

In critical applications where the control of sub-bandage pressure is important, the bandage should be reapplied or replaced as frequently as practicable. In other situations, it is not uncommon for a bandage to be left undisturbed for up to 5-7 days, although there is little doubt that, at the end of this time, the residual pressure beneath the bandage will be only a fraction of the original application pressure.

Presentation

Crevic is presented individually shrink-wrapped.

Sizes

5.0 cm × 4.5 m (stretched)

7.5 cm × 4.5 m (stretched)*

10.0 cm × 4.5 m (stretched)*

15.0 cm × 4.5 m (stretched)

* available on Drug Tariff.

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/crevic.html
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Apr-2009 15:33:42 BST