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Remarkable Progress Healing a Venous Hypertension Ulcer in a Poorly Controlled Diabetic Using Silver Polymeric Membrane Wound Filler* under Compression

Janis E. Harrison, RN, BSN, CWOCN, CFCN, Pender Community Hospital, CWOCN, 603 Earl Street, Pender, NE 68047

66-year-old female poorly-controlled diabetic hospitalized with R leg cellulitis (foot to groin). History: heavily exudating R venous ulcer over two years, hypertension, varicose veins, 9 vaginal deliveries, bowel resection. Stands all day as cashier. Ulcer previously treated unsuccessfully with enzymes, synthetic grafts, antibiotic ointments.

Polymeric membrane wound filler wicks exudate directly away from wound surface, preventing maceration. Excess fluid wicked through filler into absorptive layers of compression dressing. Polymeric membrane wound filler ingredients concentrate healing substances from body into wound and continually cleanse wound bed. Silver is antimicrobial. Therefore, silver polymeric membrane wound filler utilized under compression wraps.

IV antibiotics. Right lower leg washed thoroughly. Barrier cream to periwound. Silver polymeric membrane wound filler to wound, 4 x 4's, then absorbent stretch gauze. One layer of compression bandaging until studies completed. Changed daily. Foot of bed elevated. Dramatically decreased pain four hours after dressing application.

After two nights, patient dismissed on oral antibiotics. 70% less redness and edema. Dressings: silver polymeric membrane wound filler covered with 4-layer compression wrap every 5-7 days. No routine wound cleansing.

After one month, plain filler instead of silver. Four weeks later re-infected (MRSA), stalled, so silver filler under compression wrap resumed and long-term oral antibiotics initiated. Following month: collagen added to speed healing. 100% granulation tissue.

Patient very happy, cites no pain, wound small, superficial. Walking with cane again. Every 4-6 days: barrier cream, collagen, plain polymeric membrane wound filler, 4-layer compression wrap.

Despite poorly controlled diabetes and persistent MRSA infections, wound is healing very well, pain eliminated. Polymeric membrane wound filler covered with 4-layer compression wrap working. Wound cleansing is eliminated; dressings changed every 4 – 6 days. Protocol extremely cost- and time-efficient for diabetic with venous ulcer.

*PolyMem® Wic SilverTM Wound Filler, Ferris Mfg. Corp.


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