SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Elset and Elset `S' are lightweight open-wove bandages containing viscose and covered elastic yarns. Both have a pair of blue lines running along their length, evenly spaced across the width of the fabric.

Indications

Elset and Elset `S' may be used alone to provide light compression to the leg following vascular surgery for example. Elset is also used as a component of a multi-layer high-pressure bandaging system.

Elset `S' is specifically recommended for above and below knee stump bandaging.

Contra-indications

In common with all extensible bandages, Elset and Elset `S' should be used with caution on patients who have marked ischaemia or an impaired arterial blood supply. When used alone, neither bandage is suitable for providing the elevated levels of sub-bandage pressure that are sometimes required for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Other more powerful products are available for this application.

Method of use

When used to apply compression to a leg, the bandage should be held with the bulk roll facing upwards. Working from the inner aspect, a single turn should be made over the top of the foot around the back 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 should be applied up the leg, with each turn overlapping the previous one by 50%.

Alternatively the bandages may be applied with a 67% overlap, using the lines on the bandage as a guide, effectively producing three layers of bandage at any one point. This will naturally result in the formation of increased sub-bandage pressures relative to a 50% overlapping technique. When applied in this manner, the bandage is classified as a `Class 3a Light Compression Bandage.' It is also possible to apply the bandage using a figure of eight technique.

Once in place, both bandages may be fastened with pins or tape, as appropriate. Care should be taken to ensure that a tourniquet effect is not created 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. If localised areas of higher pressure are required (following sclerotherapy, for example), the bandage may be used in conjunction with foam wedges. In these circumstances, care should be taken to ensure that the pressure applied is not sufficient to cause local tissue damage.

Frequency of Change

In critical applications where the control of sub-bandage pressure is important, Elset and Elset `S' should be re-applied or replaced as frequently as practicable. In other situations they may be left in place for a number of days; some decrease in sub-bandage pressure is inevitable, but this will be less than with traditional crepe type products.

Presentation

Elset and Elset `S' are both supplied as individually wrapped rolls.

Sizes

Elset

5.0 cm × 6 m (stretched length)

7.5 cm × 6 m (stretched length)

10.0 cm × 6 m (stretched length)

15.0 cm × 6 m (stretched length)

Elset `S'

10.0 cm × 12 m (stretched length)

15.0 cm × 12 m (stretched length)

Bibliography

1. Blair SD, et al., Sustained compression and healing of chronic venous ulcers, Br. med. J., 1988, 297, 1159-1161.

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/elsets.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:21:25 GMT