Case report of how using hydro responsive​ wound dressing contributed to limb salvage

This case study demonstrates how the use of a Hydro Responsive Wound Dressing has contributed to the patient avoiding a lower limb amputation.

The patient has a history of peripheral vascular disease with previous admissions to the vascular team with necrotic ulcers and attempts had been made to revascularise. The patient had a long admission in the summer of 2021 where he underwent several surgeries to revascularize his lower limb including angioplasty, bypass surgery and surgical debridement of the amputation site to 2nd and 3rd toes.

The ulcers on the right lower limb slowly improved with the use of Hydroclean® Advance. Slough was gradually removed with a 50% reduction in slough by day 32. A further 77 days and the wound size had been reduced from 12 x 10cm to 7 x 5cm. This meant the patient did not require an amputation.

This case study demonstrates the complex nature of an arterial leg ulcer and the importance of individualised care. Holistic assessment is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate actions are taken. Treatment objectives should be planned and agreed with the patient and carers and then evaluated in a timely manner to ensure treatment aims are being met (7). Several treatment plans had been implemented in this case and as a result of the clinician working alongside the patient, and re-evaluating the treatment plan that a successful outcome was finally achieved using the combination of vascular intervention and Hydroclean® Advance.

• Steven Sim, Vascular Nurse Specialist, NHS Lothian

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