SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Veinoplast consists of a pink-coloured woven fabric, coated with a thin layer of an acrylic adhesive. The weft threads of the bandage are made of cotton, and the warp threads of false-twist nylon and elastane which together impart a high degree of elasticity to the bandage.

Unlike bandages manufactured entirely from cotton and other non-elastomeric fibres, Veinoplast is capable of applying and maintaining significant levels of sub-bandage pressure. Using standard application techniques, it may be expected to maintain pressures of the order of 35 mmHg at the ankle and 25 mmHg at the calf, assuming a limb of average proportions.

Indications

Veinoplast is used in the management of venous insufficiency and the control of oedema. It is also used for the application of pressure and support in the treatment of sprains and strains, and varicose veins, and as an aid to rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery. It may also be used with advantage, in conjunction with a suitable primary dressing, in the treatment of varicose ulcers.

Contra-indications

Although Veinoplast may produce relatively high levels of sub-bandage pressure on normal limbs, it is not ideally suited for the application of such pressure to large limbs that are also grossly oedematous. For these and similar indications, where the highest levels of pressure are required, more powerful products are available. In common with all extensible bandages, Veinoplast should be used with caution on patients who have marked ischaemia or impaired arterial blood supply, or who have previously demonstrated a sensitivity reaction to other products bearing acrylic adhesives.

Method of use

When used to apply support or compression to a leg, the bandage should be held with the bulk roll facing upwards. Working from the inner aspect of the leg, a single turn should be made over the top of the foot around the base 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%. Care should be taken to ensure that the bandage does not cause a tourniquet effect 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 localized 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 very critical applications where the control of sub-bandage pressure is important, the bandage should be replaced regularly, but in most other situations, the it may be left undisturbed for a number of days. Some decrease in sub-bandage pressure is inevitable, but this will be less with Veinoplast than many non-adhesive bandages or traditional crepe-type products.

Presentation

Veinoplast is supplied individually boxed.

Sizes

8 cm × 3 m (unstretched)

10 cm × 3 m (unstretched)

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/veinplas.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:23:45 GMT