SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Vigilon is a hydrogel sheet, consisting of cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and containing 96% water, supported upon a net of low density polyethylene, which provides additional strength to the dressing. The gel, which is capable of absorbing approximately its own weight of wound exudate, is permeable to water vapour and oxygen, but impermeable to water and bacteria. Once in position, Vigilon provides a moist environment at the surface of the wound in which healing can take place; provided it is not allowed to dry out, the gel will not adhere to the underlying tissue upon removal.

Indications

Vigilon may be used in the treatment of a variety of wounds in which there has been limited epidermal damage, such as dermabrasions, minor burns, and superficial pressure areas. The dressing is cool and soothing to the touch and is said to reduce local pain and discomfort in some types of injury.

Contra-indications

Vigilon should not be used on wounds that are exuding heavily, or as a covering for cavities or sinuses.

Method of use

When Vigilon is removed from the pack, it is covered on both surfaces with a sheet of polyethylene film. One sheet of film is removed before use, and the gel placed directly in contact with the wound. The second sheet (on the outer surface of the dressing) may be left in position to conserve moisture if the wound is relatively dry but if the wound produces significant quantities of exudate, the second sheet should be removed to facilitate the passage of water vapour through the gel and prevent tissue maceration due to excessive fluid build-up. Once applied, the dressing is usually covered with an absorbent pad held in place with tape or a bandage, as appropriate.

For lightly exuding wounds on areas that are difficult to dress with Vigilon, such as the sacral region, a dressing retention sheet (such as Hypafix or Mefix ) may be used to form an island dressing. On dry wounds, there is sometimes a possibility that the dressing will dry out. If this occurs, Vigilon may be readily rehydrated with sterile water or normal saline prior to removal.

Frequency of Change

The frequency of dressing changes will depend entirely upon the nature and condition of the wound. On clean, lightly exuding wounds, the dressing may be left undisturbed for 3-4 days, or sometimes longer; but on more heavily exuding wounds, daily changes may be required.

Warnings

Vigilon should not be applied to wounds that have been found to contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or that show evidence of clinical infection.

Presentation

Vigilon is presented in a plastic pouch, sterilised by ethylene oxide, inside a non-sterile aluminium peel pouch.

Storage

Vigilon should be stored in a cool place.

Sizes

4 in × 4 in

6 in × 3 in

Bibliography

1. Mandy SH, A new primary wound dressing made of polyethylene oxide gel, J. Derm. Surg. Oncol., 1983, 9, 153-155.

2. Pickering DG, et al., The management of desquamative radiation skin reactions, Dressing Times, 1992, 1, 1-2.

3. Thomas S, et al., Examining the properties and uses of two hydrogel sheet dressings, J. Wound Care, 1993, 2, (3), 176-179.

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/vigilon.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:23:47 GMT