CLINICAL PROBLEM: In recent years, silver has been incorporated into numerous dressing types ranging from specialized multi-layered compositions to familiar materials such as foams, hydrocolloids and hydrogels. While many of these dressings provide ionic silver, they lack versatility and affordability. A study was conducted to evaluate the clinical utility of a unique silver dressing. Fifteen patients with wounds suspected of sub-infectious microbial colonization were studied. Four of these patients are presented in case studies.

DESCRIPTION OF PAST MANAGEMENT: Patients were previously treated with a variety of absorptive wound dressings. They were enrolled in the study if the investigator felt the wound could be successfully managed with a silver-containing wound dressing.

CURRENT CLINICAL APPROACH: This silver mesh dressing was used as a primary dressing with a variety of secondary dressings. The frequency of dressing change was dependent upon such factors as wound type and amount of exudate. The material has the look and feel of conventional gauze but is non-woven. In laboratory studies, the antimicrobial activity has been demonstrated to be effective for up to seven days.

PATIENT OUTCOMES: In the case studies presented, wound healing progressed during the four week study period as indicated by increasing granulation tissue, management of exudate and reduction in surface area.

CONCLUSION: The silver mesh dressing was easy to apply and remove, did not require pre-activation, and was compatible with a variety of commercial wound cleansers, normal saline and other wound dressing materials. The dressing was soft and conformable to the contours of the wound and body, and did not stain the wound or peri-wound skin. Because the dressing was easy to apply, with its familiar gauze-like appearance, the dressing was clinician friendly, cost-effective, and easy for staff and caregivers to understand and use.

* 3M™ Tegaderm™ Ag Mesh Dressing