SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Allevyn Compression consists of a layer of soft, hydrophilic polyurethane foam about four millimetres thick, bonded to a semi-permeable polyurethane film .

The foam contains super-absorbent particles imbedded within its structure that enhance the ability of the dressing to absorb and retain a significant amount of wound exudate even when subjected to pressure.

This inner wound-contact surface is coated with a water soluble, low-tack adhesive, which breaks down in the presence of moisture. The lightly adhesive layer facilitates application of the dressing beneath compression bandages but enables the dressing to be easily removed from sensitive skin.

Although the outer film is permeable to moisture vapour, it provides an effective barrier to water or wound exudate and also prevents the passage of microorganisms through the back of the dressing.

When applied to an exuding wound, the dressing absorbs excess fluid, but as exudate production decreases, the film backing regulates the evaporative loss of moisture and stops the dressing from drying out completely.

In this way the dressing maintains the wound in a moist condition and thus provides a micro-environment that is conducive to healing.

Indications

Allevyn Compression is suitable for use on any moderate to heavily exuding wound with sensitive surrounding skin but it is particularly indicated for the treatment of wounds where the dressing is likely to be subjected to sustained or unrelieved pressure.

Contra-indications

No absolute contra-indications to the use of Allevyn Compression have been reported, but the dressing will be of limited value if applied to dry wounds such as those covered with a scab or hard black necrotic tissue. Before application of the dressing this should be removed, either surgically, or by some other means.

Method of use

An appropriately sized dressing is chosen that will overlap the edges of the wound by at least 2cm. After cleansing the wound in accordance with normal practice, the dressing is applied to the wound and gently smoothed into position, held in place by a compression bandage where clinically indicated, or by some other suitable form of fixation.

Frequency of Change

The frequency with which Allevyn Compression should be changed depends upon the nature of the wound and the amount of exudate produced. On a clean non-infected wound, it may be left in position for up to seven days, but more frequent changes will be required on infected or heavily exuding wounds.

Warnings

None

Presentation

Allevyn Adhesive is presented on a piece of card in a paper peel pouch sterilised by irradiation.

Sizes

The dressing is produced in one size, 10.5cm x 13.5cm, and is available on Drug Tariff

5 cm x 6 cm

10 cm x 10 cm

5 cm x 15 cm

15 cm x 20 cm

Bibliography

Availability

Further information on obtaining Smith & Nephew products is available on the Smith & Nephew web site.

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/images/allevyn1_compression1.html
Last Modified: Monday, 23-Jan-2006 14:32:57 GMT