SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Delta-Lite S consists of a knitted fibreglass substrate impregnated with a polyurethane resin. The fabric base used in Delta-Lite S is slightly extensible in all directions, which allows the bandage to conform well in use. When Delta-Lite S is 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 Delta-Lite S will set in approximately seven minutes. Once set, the product forms a cast that can be bivalved or windowed, and will be weight-bearing after 20 minutes. The resultant cast is lightweight, strong, porous, and translucent to X-rays. Deltalite S is supplied with disposable latex gloves coated with a water-activated slip agent to facilitate handling of the bandage and prevent it sticking to the latex.

Indications

Delta-Lite S may be used in most situations where rigid immobilisation is required including the formation of standard orthopaedic casts and specialised prosthetic appliances.

Contra-indications

In common with all polyurethane casting tapes, Delta-Lite S 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

Delta-Lite S 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 usually used in conjunction with plaster of Paris which will retain moisture, should the final cast become wet. Before the foil pouch is opened, the disposable gloves supplied should should be put on. Prior to application, the bandage should be immersed in water at 21-27 °C, and firmly squeezed four or five times under the surface to ensure complete penetration of water into the body of the bandage.

After removal from the dip water, the bandage should not be squeezed further. The tape should be applied in the form of a spiral, each turn overlapping the previous one by about one-third to one-half of the width. Three or four layers of bandage are usually sufficient in most non-weight-bearing situations, but five or six layers may be required for a weight-bearing cast. If splints are needed, these may be produced from three or four layers of Delta-Lite S. The cast may be moulded to its final shape during the last 30 seconds of its setting cycle, after which time it may be windowed or trimmed with shears or a standard cast saw. A cast made from Delta-Lite S may be repaired or reinforced by the application of additional bandage but although this will adhere successfully to the existing cast, where possible, a complete layer should be applied, 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 this material 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 final cast 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

Delta-Lite S is available in the form of a roll, wrapped around a hollow plastic core, and heat-sealed in a poly/foil/poly laminate pouch.

Storage

Four years from the date of manufacture. Unopened rolls of casting tape should be stored in a cool dry atmosphere below 24 °C.

Sizes

2 in × 4 yd 3 in × 4 yd

4 in × 4 yd 5 in × 4 yd

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/deltalit.s.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:21:17 GMT