NPWT System Reduces Pressure Point Risk

A new single-use negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system manages exudates through a unique combination of absorbency and evaporation.

The Smith & Nephew (London, United Kingdom) PICO7 NPWT is indicated for chronic, acute, and traumatic wounds, subacute and dehisced wounds, partial-thickness burns, ulcers (such as diabetic or pressure), flaps and grafts, and closed surgical incisions, and can be used either in a hospital or at home. The canister-free device generates an effective negative pressure of -80mm Hg and provides therapy for up to seven days, using a one-button pump that provides discreet, unobtrusive treatment.

The PICO7 pump is connected to a conformable dressing that manages the fluids, eliminating the need for bulky canisters. Easily applied and just as easily removed, the disposable dressing minimizes skin trauma to deliver the negative pressure across the wound bed or closed incision. Each disposable kit includes one pump, a belt clip to improve portability, and two dressings complete with fixation strips, which enables a dressing change to be carried out within the therapy life of the pump, if necessary.

“We revolutionized the use of negative pressure wound therapy, making a treatment previously only available in a hospital inpatient setting available to outpatients in a clinical and cost effective portable solution,” said Paolo Di Vincenzo, senior vice president of advanced wound management at Smith & Nephew. “With PICO 7 we have delivered significant design improvements that contribute to improved patient outcomes, patient management and HCP efficiency, keeping Smith & Nephew at the forefront of delivering pioneering portable negative pressure solutions.”

NPWT is a therapeutic technique used to promote healing in acute or chronic wounds and enhance healing of first and second-degree burns. The therapy involves the controlled application of sub-atmospheric pressure to the local wound environment, using a sealed wound dressing connected to a vacuum pump. The use of the technique in wound management increased dramatically over the 1990s.