Use of a novel silicone‐acrylic drape with negative pressure wound therapy in anatomically challenging wounds

Abstract

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) utilises a polyurethane drape with acrylic adhesive over foam dressings to create a seal. In anatomically challenging areas, ancillary products are frequently used. Additionally, health care providers are unable to reposition the drape once placed. A novel hybrid drape consisting of polyurethane film with acrylic adhesive and silicone perforated layer has been developed to allow for repositioning after initial placement and easy removal. This six‐patient case series evaluates the use of NPWT with hybrid drape over anatomically challenging wounds. Three males and three females were treated. Dressing changes occurred every 2 to 3 days. Drape application, repositioning, and ability to maintain a seal were evaluated. During application, the drape was repositioned 1 to 2 times without periwound skin irritation in 4/6 wounds. Prior to initial application, ancillary products were applied to help create a seal. However, by the second or third application, ancillary products were no longer used in 4/6 wounds. None of the dressing applications resulted in negative pressure seal leaks. In these patients, health care providers could reposition the hybrid drape after initial placement without periwound skin irritation and successfully create a negative pressure seal without ancillary products in anatomically challenging wound locations.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation-Dwell in Orthopaedic Trauma: How to Avoid Leaks and Frustration

“…The drape can be readily removed with minimal discomfort to the patient and helps reduce risk of skin injury. 14 Traditional polyester acrylic drapes are nonelastic and can cause skin irritation and blistering as the skin moves against this rigid drape. The risk of MARSI is diminished, because the Dermatac Drape is more conforming (ie, around external fixation pin sites and acute angles) and forgiving with movement.…”

“…To avoid dressing leaks, improve ease of application, and minimize MARSI while using NPWTi-d, a proprietary silicone-acrylic hybrid drape, 3M TM Dermatac TM Drape has been developed for NPWTi-d. A case series study by Fernandez et al 14 used the silicone-acrylic drape in anatomically challenging areas and reported dressing seals without leaks, with the drape being easy to reposition without peri-wound skin irritation. The drape is unique in that it can easily be repositioned to smooth out wrinkles without loss of adhesion.…”