SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Opsite Flexigrid consists of a thin polyurethane membrane coated with a layer of an acrylic adhesive. The dressing, which is permeable to both water vapour and oxygen, is impermeable to micro-organisms. Once in position, the film provides an effective barrier to external contamination, whilst producing a moist environment at the surface of the wound by reducing water vapour loss from the exposed tissue. Under these conditions in shallow wounds, scab formation is prevented and epidermal regeneration takes place at an enhanced rate, compared with that which occurs in wounds treated with traditional dry dressings. The polyurethane film is supported on a removable flexible carrier that can be drawn upon to provide a record of the size and shape of the wound to which the dressing is applied. The carrier is printed with a grid to facilitate calculation of the wound area.

Indications

Opsite Flexigrid may be used in the treatment of scalds, first or second degree burns, donor sites, post-operative wounds, minor injuries (including abrasions and lacerations), and for the prevention and treatment of superficial pressure areas. Larger sizes of the dressing without the flexible carrier are marketed as incise drapes.

Contra-indications

Although there are no absolute contra-indications to the use of Opsite, it is not recommended that the material be applied over deep cavity wounds or third degree burns.

Method of use

When used as a wound dressing, an appropriate size of Opsite should be chosen, the paper backing removed, and the film together with its carrier, lightly smoothed into position. In order to ensure good adhesion, the dressing should be allowed a minimum overlap of 3-4 cm from the margin of the wound onto the surrounding skin. If required, the wound outline can be drawn on to the plastic grid which is then removed and retained with the patients notes.

On clean, heavily exuding wounds, such as donor sites, large quantities of fluid sometimes accumulate beneath the Opsite film. This should be left undisturbed for as long as possible, but if the accumulation becomes excessive, it may be aspirated with a syringe using an aseptic technique. A small patch of Opsite should be applied over the puncture to prevent leakage or contamination.

Frequency of Change

On clean wounds, such as donor sites and post-operative wounds, the dressing may be left undisturbed for a week or even longer, but in most other situations more frequent changes may be required. Where the film is used for the prevention of pressure sores, it may be left in position for up to two weeks.

Presentation

Opsite Flexigrid, is presented individually wrapped in a peel pouch, sterilised by ethylene oxide.

Sizes

6.0 cm × 7.0 cm

10.0 cm × 12.0 cm*

15.0 cm × 20.0 cm

12.0 cm × 25.0 cm

* 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/opsite.fle.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:22:47 GMT