My check-list - How I use the HydroTac system. Practical aspects from the surgeon's point of view

Aim

We have a great deal of information regarding research on the molecular level of wound healing. On the one hand, this is important when it comes to the development and scientific testing of bandages. On the other hand, looking from the practical point of view, visible signs and the connection with the clinical picture is more relevant; sometimes there are only a couple of minutes available to assess the tool and make a clinical decision.

Methods

For every patient with a chronic wound, the protocol was as follows: Photographic documentation with klonk image measurement

1. Accurate definition of the wound surface
2. Definition of a 1 cm border surrounding the wound
3. Definition of hyperkeratosis
4. Securing wound surface - bacterial biofilm
5. Measuring quality of granulation tissue
6. Physical description of the area under bandage (inflammation, oedema, necrosis, biofilm, secretion)

This checklist was performed at the each dressing change for at least a 4-weel period.

Results

After introducing HydroTac bandages, we compared our results with the effects of conventional sponge bandages. For a quick and easy assessment, we have used the six questions above to measure the efficiency of the hydro bandages, and the difference was immediately unequivocal. We are presenting the parameter changes of ten patients - either sole and forefoot diabetic wounds and patients with leg ulcers.

Conclusion

During the everyday practice surgeons have to make a decision about the future treatment of the wound. By changing the “status idem” based on the orderly comparative data, wound healing efficiency will increase, and we can keep up with the progress of the intelligent bandages.

Istvan Rozsos
Theta Center, Pecs, Hungary

Gergely Vadasz
Theta Center, Pecs, Hungary, University of Pecs, Department of Vascular Surgery, Pecs, Hungary

Melinda Gadacsi
Theta Center, Pecs, Hungary, University of Pecs, Department of Vascular Surgery, Pecs, Hungary