SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Lyofoam C consists of a piece of Lyofoam that is heat-bonded around the perimeter to a sheet of plain polyurethane foam. A layer of a non-woven fabric, impregnated with activated carbon granules, is sandwiched between the two polyurethane sheets. Lyofoam C serves two functions: it has many of the properties of Lyofoam, maintaining a moist warm environment at the surface of the wound, which is conducive to healing; and it absorbs the noxious odours associated with certain types of wounds. The substances that are responsible for the formation of odour appear to be partly retained within the foam itself, but the principal odour-absorbing ability of the dressing is due to the presence of the activated charcoal.

Indications

Lyofoam C is indicated for the treatment of malodorous wounds including leg and decubitus ulcers and fungating tumours.

Contra-indications

No absolute contra-indications to the use of Lyofoam C have been reported, but the dressing should not be applied to wounds that are covered with a dry scab or hard black necrotic tissue, until this has been removed surgically or by some other means.

Method of use

A size of Lyofoam C is chosen that will overlap the edges of the wound by a minimum of 4-5 cm. No secondary dressings are generally required. On areas that are particularly difficult to dress, such as the heels or the sacral region, the dressing may be held in position with a dressing retention sheet, such as Hypafix or Mefix . As sloughy or necrotic wounds are debrided, it is important that they are cleansed thoroughly during dressing changes with sterile normal saline or a solution of a suitable antiseptic agent.

Frequency of Change

The frequency with which the dressing should be changed depends entirely upon the extent of the odour, and the nature and condition of the wound. On very dirty sloughy wounds, twice daily changes may be required initially but as the wound is cleansed and the amount of exudate decreases, the interval between dressing changes may be increased.

Presentation

Lyofoam C is presented individually wrapped in paper/foil peel pouches, sterilised by irradiation.

Sizes

10 cm × 10 cm

20 cm × 15 cm

25 cm × 10 cm

25 cm × 30 cm

Bibliography

1. Thomas S, Current Practices in the Management of Fungating Lesions and Radiation Damaged Skin, Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory, Bridgend, 1992.

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/lyofoamc.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:22:25 GMT