83-year-old man, history of venous ulcers, controlled diabetes, hip replacement and arthritis had two R lower leg wounds self-treated for two years with various creams, gauze and wraps with intermittent improvement. Largest wound, problematic for three months: 3.5cm x2.7cmx0.1cm deep, with large amounts serous exudate cultured Staph Aureus. Started oral antibiotics for ten days. ABI's both 0.94.

WOC nurse found previously that actively draining venous ulcer wounds treated with polymeric membrane wound filler under compression wraps heal very quickly. Polymeric membrane wound filler wicks exudate directly away from wound surface, preventing maceration. Excess wound fluid is pulled through the filler into absorptive layers of compression dressing. Polymeric membrane wound filler contains glycerin to soothe and hydrate wound while drawing and concentrating healing substances from body into wound bed, plus a gentle surfactant to continually cleanse, so delicate new structures in the wound bed are not disturbed.

Initially, no-rinse wound cleanser, barrier cream to periwound, polymeric membrane wound filler over open areas, then four-layer compression bandage system. Weekly, barrier cream and new dressings (polymeric membrane wound filler covered with four-layer compression wrap) applied. Any dry skin build up at wound margins was cleansed off. Patient rated his pain “6” on 0 – 10 scale at first visit during wound cleansing. At second visit patient rated pain during cleansing “1”.

Patient tolerated treatment well. Wound closed in only four weeks after four dressing changes. Patient fitted for 30 – 40 mm hg compression stockings to prevent recurrence.

Simple protocol (polymeric membrane wound filler under four-layer compression), resulted in very rapid healing of this venous ulcer. Four dressing changes total demonstrates tremendous cost-efficiency and convenience.