Smith & Nephew's ALLEVYN highlighted at SAWC

The Advanced Wound Management Division of Smith & Nephew, Inc., a subsidiary of Smith & Nephew plc (LSE: SN; NYSE: SNN) invites those attending the upcoming Symposium on Advanced Wound Care to visit the Smith & Nephew booth 301, to see the ALLEVYN™ difference with its unique triple-action technology and dynamic moisture control.  The triple-action technology leverages today's most advanced materials – a direct result of 23 years of innovation, research and refinement.

"As leaders in wound care technology, we strive to raise the bar on product innovation and performance to emphasize how we're different," said Tom Dugan, North American President, Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management.  "I invite those attending SAWC to stop by our booth and discover what makes the unique triple-action technology of ALLEVYN different and visibly better."

Dynamic Moisture Control and Triple Action Technology

Only ALLEVYN offers unique triple action technology where the three layers of the dressing work together to manage moisture.  Smith & Nephew's REACTIC™ film is a hydrodynamic top film that actively responds to changing exudate levels.  The REACTIC film is different because it can 'switch on' to evaporate more moisture when fluid levels are high and 'switch off' when the fluid levels are low, optimizing wound closure.  

The second layer, the hydrocellular foam, is different because it allows for rapid fluid uptake and vertical wicking.  The advanced foam core moves exudate up vertically and locks in moisture until it evaporates, leading to 46% more fluid handling and less risk for maceration.

The wound contact layer offers secure, gentle contact making the difference in patient satisfaction and comfort. This third layer wicks moisture to reduce leakage and maceration and provides a barrier to exogenous bacteria.  

Dr. John Lantis II MD, Chief of Division, Endovascular-Vascular Surgery and Director of Clinical Research within the Department of Surgery at St. Luke-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, believes that controlling moisture is a key component to closing chronic wounds.  He relies on ALLEVYN to respond to the need of the patient and the wound to effectively manage fluid. "Because of the effective moisture control and reliable technology, there is less dressing weight, which results in greater patient comfort and an apparent decrease in the risk for maceration and wound breakdown," said Dr. Lantis.  "We're often able to leave ALLEVYN on a wound for up to seven days, which means greater cost effectiveness and fewer dressing changes.  Many of our patients with painful wounds tolerate the dressing better than many other dressings.   Knowing that the ALLEVYN brand is backed by Smith and Nephew's active research and refinement is reassuring and gives me confidence that I'm providing leading technology to my patients that have wounds," Dr. Lantis concluded.

Dr. Lantis will be presenting the interim results of his recent non-comparative evaluation on the efficacy of ALLEVYN Ag on the reduction of bioburden and closure of venous leg ulcers at the SAWC during the AAWC Research Poster Grand Round sessions on Sunday, April 18, 2010 from 4:45-5:45 pm and on Monday, April 19, 2010, from 3:30-4:30 pm.

ALLVEYN Ag

Also highlighted at the Smith & Nephew booth is ALLEVYN Ag, which, in addition to innovative technology, contains bactericidal levels of silver allowing for the greatest level of control in caring for chronic wounds at risk for infection.  The dressing provides protection against a broad range of bacteria, resulting in a significant (P<0.001) reduction in signs of infection (clinical study>

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Heel

Smith & Nephew will also introduce a new product line extension, ALLEVYN Gentle Border Heel.  Offering all that a clinician would expect in an ALLEVYN Gentle Border dressing, Gentle Border Heel is designed to offer better protection and fluid management. The difference is in the shape allowing a versatility of application to different anatomical parts; from the heel to the neck and the knee to the spine, ALLEVYN Gentle Border Heel fits.  Not having to combine dressings reduces the time at dressing changes and optimizes clinical inventory.

"It's not only about the 30 seconds at dressing changes, it's about the time spent living with a wound where ALLEVYN makes a difference," concluded Tom Dugan.