We needed an absorptive product that wouldn't damage the periwound. Wounds were treated with Hydofiber dressing . The dressing was changed every other day. The dressing was saturated ,with occasional periwound damage and was difficult to remove. We then tried CMS/Alginate dressing . It had improved fluid handling. The superior gelling and fluid handling made the dressing easier to remove and decreased the chance of periwound damage.

Case #1 - 80 yo with heel ulcer measuring 2x1.25x0.25 . At week 2 it was 2.5x2.5x0.25 , cleaner, though still draining. The exudate was well managed by the Alginate in the dressing and easy to remove, clean and re-dress. By week 5 it was healed.

Case #2 - 82 yo brittle diabetic with PVD. She had an ulcer to her LE ,not responding to treatment. We changed to CMS/Alginate dressing . Week #1 the wound was 1.5x0.4x0.125 with moderate drainage. At week 6 it is 0.5 round. At week 8 the wound is intact. Her fragile skin did not break down as the vertical wicking did not affect the periwound tissue.

Case #3 -80 yo with a 4x2x0.25 draining heel. A week after staring a treatment of CMA/Alginate dressing it measured 3x2x0.2. It was red ,draining a moderate amt of fluid, which was well handled by the dressing and again easy to remove with no periwound damage. By week 5 the wound was 1.5x1x0.2. At week 9 it measured 0.4x0.4 and was dry. This treatment was discontinued with ound healing the following week.

Conclusion: These demonstrate great success in healing wounds using CMS/Alginate over Hydrofiber due to vertical wicking, high absorbency level and ease of use. The treatment was cost effective and easy to do. The support of Medline Industries, Inc. for this project is gratefully acknowledged.