Evaluating an Antimicrobial Hydrophobic Mesh in Application with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Aim -

To evaluate an antimicrobial hydrophobic dressing in clinical practice as the primary dressing interface in the application of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

Methods -

Data was collected on 95 patients in an ongoing case study series.  A novel hydrophobic mesh dressing was used as the primary Negative Pressure Wound Therapy dressing interface in place of the traditional black polyurethane foam.  Average follow-up was 46 days, and the data collected includes wound types, previous treatments, and measurements.  A variety of pressure settings were utilized.

Results-

Of the 95 patients; 20 healed completely, 57 showed a 70 percent wound volume reduction on average, and 18 failed to improve.  Of the 95 patients: 81 percent either healed or showed a 70 percent wound volume reduction on average.  Of the 18 patients which did not improve; 11 were either stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers, 2 were venous stasis ulcers, and 6 were previously treated with the traditional black polyurethane foam for at least 1 month prior to switching to the hydrophobic mesh dressing.

Conclusion-

81 percent of patients showed positive outcomes resulting either in complete healing or a 70 percent volume reduction on average.  The antimicrobial hydrophobic mesh dressing showed to be an effective tool in the application Negative Pressure Wound Therapy as the primary dressing interface.